Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill has confirmed that John Carew will undergo a course of treatment on troublesome back and hip injuries rather than submit to the surgeon's knife. "We will see how the course goes," O'Neill told the club's official website. "John has been an absolutely vital part of what we have done here over the past two years and it goes without saying that I want him back available as soon as possible."
O'Neill also confirmed that he will be looking to strengthen his squad once the transfer window reopens in January.
"We will be hoping to do some business in the transfer window if at all possible," added the Ulsterman.
"We are certainly in the market to improve the squad if we can in January. We will see."