Tyrone Mings faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines after damaging knee ligaments during Aston Villa’s opening day defeat at Newcastle.
The England defender was carried off on a stretcher in the first half with Villa fearing on Saturday night that the injury was serious.
Their concerns have now been realised with Mings – one of Unai Emery’s key players – now set to miss much of the campaign.
It was the second serious knee injury to a Villa player within a matter of days, after attacker Emiliano Buendia also damaged his anterior cruciate ligament during training late last week.
While Diego Carlos, Pau Torres and Calum Chambers provide cover for Mings, Villa will miss his leadership greatly.
Tyrone Mings faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines after damaging knee ligaments
The England defender was visibly distraught as he had to be carried off the field on Saturday
Even though he was stripped of the captaincy by former boss Steven Gerrard a year ago, Mings remains one of the most vocal and influential players in the Villa squad.
As Villa capitulated in the second half at St James’ Park, it was clear the players were affected by Mings’ injury, which appeared serious immediately. Captain John McGinn and goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez will assume even more important roles without him.
With Buendia out, Villa continue to seek a left-sided midfielder. They considered moving for Jack Harrison but ultimately decided against it, and the winger has now joined Everton on a year’s loan from Leeds.
Villa are also interested in Italy attacker Nicolo Zaniolo, though the exact nature of the deal with Galatasaray is still to be decided.
Aston Villa have also lost Emiliano Buendia to a serious knee injury for a long period of time
