Ron Vlaar is determined to be back in action for Aston Villa as quickly as possible.
The Dutch defender has missed the past two Villa outings after succumbing to a calf injury at half-time of the 3-2 win at Southampton on December 4 but has his fingers crossed that he is not too long out as the hectic festive schedule approaches.
"Like any other player, I do everything possible to remain at peak fitness but I felt my calf during the first half at St Mary's and it really stiffened up at half-time so there was no point in continuing," he said.
"I was just delighted that the lads emerged from a very difficult game with all three points after a remarkable 3-2 win.
"Hopefully it won't be too long before I'm back because I remember how infuriating it was to be out of action last winter."
