Olof Mellberg faces Christmas on the Villa Park sidelines
|
Aston Villa captain Olof Mellberg will be out until the new year after tearing his hamstring.
The 28-year-old Swedish defender suffered the injury in Saturday's 1-1 draw at Bolton.
"This news presents us with a problem we could have done without," manager David O'Leary told the club's website.
It means Mark Delaney or Aaron Hughes will partner Liam Ridgewell in the centre of defence for Saturday's home match against Manchester United.
Meanwhile, Steven Davis is set to double his money at Villa Park after being offered an improved contract.
The 20-year-old midfielder still has three-and-a-half years to run on his current deal but chairman Doug Ellis is determined to keep the Northern Ireland international.
Ellis said: "Steven has been offered an excellent contract and we are doing all we can to keep him."
The chairman also confirmed the club will only be looking to make loan signings during the January transfer window.
MMIX
E-mail this to a friend
Printable version
Match of the Day - Post-match interviews