Joe Bennett battling to be fit for Aston Villa
Aston Villa defender Joe Bennett today faced a race to be fit for Monday's Premier League six-pointer with Sunderland.
The 23-year-old limped off late in the 3-0 defeat at Manchester United with an ankle injury.
Ciaran Clark replaced him, with Nathan Baker switching to left-back, as Villa stayed 17th in the Premier League.
Boss Paul Lambert reckons ex-Middlesbrough star Bennett, who has made 26 appearances this term, will recover in time to face the Black Cats.
He said: "Joe had a little bit of a knock so Ciaran being back was a plus for us, because he's been playing really well.
"I think because Joe's got a full week to recover he should be OK, but he just hurt his ankle there."
Clark was an unused substitute in the 1-1 draw with Fulham after being sidelined with a shoulder injury he suffered on Ireland duty last month.
The academy graduate was kept out by Baker but Lambert is pleased to have the 23-year-old available again.
He added: "Ciaran was unlucky with the Irish team when he hurt his shoulder. If we can keep everybody fit then we'll be OK."
