Solano to miss Toon return
Aston Villa midfielder Nolberto Solano has admitted he is almost certain to miss the Barclays Premiership clash with his former club Newcastle next month due to international commitments.
Solano was a big favourite during his five years at St James’ Park before moving to Villa in the January 2004 transfer window.
Current Newcastle boss Graeme Souness even tried to buy the Peruvian international back two months ago only for Villa to rebuff that move.
But Solano will be denied a sentimental return to Tyneside on April 2 because of the gruelling schedule he will have to undertake with his country in the build-up to that game.
He will be involved in back-to-back World Cup qualifiers with Brazil and Ecuador on March 26 and March 30 and will not arrive back in England until late on April 1 after a 12-hour flight.
Solano, who is Villa’s top scorer with eight goals this season, admitted: “I will not be playing in the Newcastle game as Peru have an international on the Wednesday before that.
I won’t be back until late on the Friday night. I don’t think the manager will play me as it is such a long flight back to England.
“We’ll see whether he decides to put me on the substitute’s bench but we have a lot of midfielders trying to get into the team.
“I would love to play in that game at Newcastle, where I had some great times and have great memories, but I will be flying for 12 hours and it will be tough.”
Solano has pledged not to retire from international football as long as his country still have a chance of qualifying for the 2006 finals.
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