The Times have reported that Curtis Davies is still likely to sign permanently for Aston Villa at the end of the season, despite rupturing his Achilles tendon against Arsenal at the weekend. The central defender has been in superlative form for the Villans in the past few weeks, leading to him being called up in Fabio Capello’s provisional England squad.
West Brom manager Tony Mowbray has praised the player’s qualities and sees no reason why Davies won’t still sign for Villa.
“Is the Curtis Davies deal affected in any way by his injury? No,” said Mowbray. “Curtis is a top player and at this moment rightly playing in the Premier League and doing very well for a club that is doing well. We wish him all the best and his character belies his age. I am sure he has got the strength to overcome this setback.
“I am sure we will see him laughing and smiling in the next few weeks, getting his head around the situation, and being totally focused on getting fit. If anyone can work through a bad injury, it will be someone of Curtis’ personality and determination.”
Indeed, even if the Baggies get promoted this season, they will be very much focused on staving off relegation, compared to Villa’s European aspirations.