ASTON VILLA ARE expected to be without defender Ciaran Clark for the remainder of the season.
The Ireland international suffered medial ligament damage in the win over Tottenham a fortnight ago and sat out the FA Cup semi-final victory over Liverpool last weekend.
25-year-old Clark has been in excellent form for Villa, featuring 29 times in all competitions, but is now set to be absent for the last six matches of the campaign due to the injury.
Ciaran’s injury looks bad and we don’t think he will be able to come back before the end of the season,” manager Time Sherwood said at today’s press conference.
“It’s a real blow for Ciaran but that’s the nature of the game – when you’re in there, there’s a chance of getting injured. He’s certainly one that doesn’t hold back and puts his body on the line. Unfortunately, he’s caught one there and we’ll see him next season.”
That would mean missing the club’s first FA Cup in 15 years, when they face Arsenal at Wembley Stadium on 30 May, as well as massive Premier League fixtures for Villa — who sit four points clear of the relegation zone in 15th position.
He would also face a race to be fit for Ireland’s upcoming friendly against England (7 June) and the crucial Euro 2016 qualifier with Scotland (13 June).
