ASTON VILLA WERE still reeling from the news of Richard Dunne’s collarbone injury today when their defensive options were dealt a further blow.
Ciaran Clark, a potential deputy for Dunne with both club and country, has damaged knee ligaments during training.
The 22-year-old reportedly caught his studs in the turf on Saturday.
The awkward twist on his leg causing damage inside the knee and ruling him out of the meeting with Manchester City.
Twice capped by Giovanni Trapattoni, Clark is now facing over a month out to recover from the injury and, with Dunne set to be sidelined for twice that period of time, Alex McLeish’s defensive resources will be strained.
Villa currently sit just seven points above the relegation zone and are without a win in their last four matches. Pressure is growing on McLeish who has guided his side to just one home victory since 5 November.
Speaking to Sky Sports after the narrow defeat to the league leaders, McLeish said of Clark:
“It’s a real shame because we had definite plans for him tonight. We will lose him for a few weeks. It’s not an overnight return either. It’s knee ligament issues.”
Carlos Cuellar, who played at left back yesterday will be expected to partner James Collins at centre back during Dunne’s absence. Without Clark, who can play across the back four as well as midfield, any further options will be thin on the ground.
Nathan Baker, 20, and Eric Lichaj, 23, could each face a hasty promotion to the bench as cover.
