Agbonlahor To See Back Specialist

Gabby Agbonlahor has been speaking of the recent back problem that has seen the in-form Aston Villa forward play through the pain barrier in recent weeks.

A series of sensational displays have made light of the injury but, having ruled himself out of contention for a spot in this week’s England squad, Agbonlahor admitted he requires painkillers to alleviate the issue before every game and hopes to get the problem resolved before domestic action resumes in just under a fortnight’s time, with Villa’s unbeaten record on the line in a Gameweek eight trip to Man City. Subbed off four minutes before the end in Saturday’s game, he explained:

I’ve been suffering with pains in my lower back. I’ve got to go and see a back specialist in London on Tuesday…It’s been stopping me in games…I’ve still got the pain now and I’m on painkillers. Hopefully if this can sort it, I’ll be delighted- if I can get it sorted, I could be on fire…It comes and goes during the game and that’s why I came off because the pain was too much but I don’t want to moan about that.

Darren Bent may have been overshadowed by his team mate’s brilliant returns but has nothing but praise for Agbonlahor’s contribution, with Alex McLeish’s decision to team up the pair in a 4-4-2 currently reaping the rewards:

There were people who said me and Gabby couldn’t play together because we are too similar. But we complement each other well and give each other chances…Last season when I came I didn’t really play with Gabby upfront, he played wide left…At the start of this season the gaffer played him left. But it seems to be working well – the pair of us together – and hopefully it will continue.

A goal and assist –and subsequent three Fantasy Premier League (FPL) bonus points- in Aston Villa’s 2-0 home win over Wigan continued Agbonlahor’s revitalized displays under the guidance of new boss Alex McLeish on Saturday.

His total of 4 goals, 3 assists and 9 bonus points has already eclipsed last season’s respective tallies (3, 1, 0) under Gerard Houllier, with the 7.0 FPL-priced star third in the forward rankings, behind only Wayne Rooney and Sergio Aguero. Villa’s extra defensive resolve under Big Eck clearly suits Agbonlahor’s speed and direct play on the break and with (WBA, sun, NOR) to follow the Etihad game, plenty more Fantasy managers will be looking to invest, providing there’s a positive prognosis.