ASTON VILLA boss Unai Emery fears Tyrone Mings’ season could be over, with his key central defender facing a minimum SEVEN MONTHS on the sidelines.
SunSport can reveal the England international suffered a ruptured ACL knee injury following a 50-50 with Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak on Saturday.
PAAston Villa’s Tyrone Mings is facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines[/caption]
EPAThe star sustained a significant knee injury against Newcastle[/caption]
In a best case scenario Villa hope Mings could return to training this spring if his surgery is a success, with April a potential target to aim for.
However there is a real fear it could take up to nine months for Mings to recover which would write off the rest of his season.
The 30-year-old was clearly distressed and covered his face with his shirt as he realised the severity of the injury, before he was stretchered off to sympathetic applause from both sets of supporters.
Aston Villa issued a statement this morning which confirmed the news Emery and Villa fans had been dreading.
It stated: “Aston Villa can confirm that Tyrone Mings has sustained a significant knee injury.
“The defender has undergone scans and will unfortunately require surgery ahead of a lengthy rehabilitation process.”
It was the second sickening blow to hit Emery‘s squad, whose 5-1 demolition at St James’s Park capped a miserable week for the Spaniard.
Speaking immediately after the game, Emery said: “It doesn’t look good.
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“This week is very sad for us. With Emiliano Buendia, today with Tyrone Mings – two important players in the squad.
“We lost today but there was something that was more than we wanted but the worst today was the injury with Tyrone.
“We have to take some days in reflection and then prepare for the game against Everton.
“Everything this week is not working well but we are going to react. I want to be positive with the players we have, and we can change the situation.”
Mings has now broken his silence on the crippling setback, tweeting: “I don’t even know where to start but to say thank you for all of your messages of support Villa fans.
“From the day I came here on loan I’ve given everything on the pitch, I’ll now give everything off the pitch to come back even better, whilst supporting the team.
“To the players, fans & staff connected to @NUFC I also want to say thank you.
“The applause, the messages & the medical support I received on the day was really appreciated.”
Emery does have natural cover for Mings after signing left-sided central defender Pau Torres this summer.
He also has Ezri Konsa, Diego Carlos and Calum Chambers to choose from.
But he will consult with Villa’s transfer chief Monchi before deciding if he needs to move into the market to make up for Mings’ significant absence.
GettyMings will now undergo surgery and is set to be out for a large chunk of the season[/caption]
GettyVilla had already lost Emiliano Buendia due to a long-term injury[/caption]