Soccer

Shay Given struggling to be fit for FA Cup final against Arsenal

Aston Villa goalkeeper is undergoing treatment for groin injury

Aston Villa goalkeeper Shay Given has played in every round of the FA Cup this season. Photograph: Stu Forster/Getty Images
Aston Villa goalkeeper Shay Given has played in every round of the FA Cup this season. Photograph: Stu Forster/Getty Images
Wed May 27 2015 - 01:14

Shay Given

is expected to be fit to play for Aston Villa in the FA Cup final against Arsenal on Saturday.

The 39-year-old Republic of Ireland goalkeeper missed Villa's last Premier League match of the season at home to Burnley on Sunday and afterwards the Villa manager Tim Sherwood said Given had a groin problem. "Shay's a doubt," Sherwood said. "We're assessing him every day."

Given had been due to take part in Villa's media call yesterday but was withdrawn, which has added to speculation that Brad Guzan could be recalled for Wembley. Villa's third-choice goalkeeper, Jed Steer, played against Burnley but that was to give the 22-year-old some first-team experience.

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The feeling emerging from England’s Midlands yesterday is that Given should be fit for the Cup final. He has played in every round of Villa’s campaign. Given is also expected to be fully fit for Ireland’s crucial Euro 2016 Group D qualifier against Scotland at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday fortnight.