John Carew ruled out for injury-struck Aston Villa
Aston Villa have a shortage of strikers ahead of their Premier League encounter with Fulham on Saturday, 6 November.
In a press conference ahead of the game, Villa boss Gerard Houllier confirmed that John Carew suffered calf tear in training on Thursday, 4 November.
With Emile Heskey having undergone surgery on his knee this week and Gabriel Agbonlahor still out with a groin injury, Houllier said Nathan Delfouneso is set to make his first Premier League start against Fulham.
"Having Heskey out is a big blow because in the six games he played, he scored three goals and created some chances as well," the Frenchman said at a press conference on Friday, 5 November.
"[Carew] had a scan [on Friday] and there is a slight tear of his calf, which will rule him out for a minimum of three weeks, maybe four. [Agbonlahor] is still in the recovery period although for the first time he took part in training [on Friday]."
Carew, who has yet to extend his current contract with Villa, was expected to step up in the absence of Heskey and Agbonlahor, but Houllier will now look to the untested Delfouneso in attack.
The Englishman joined Villa in 2008, and has made 14 substitute appearances in the league, scoring his only goal against Portsmouth in April.
"It is an ideal opportunity for the young Nathan to step up," Houllier said. "He will definitely be the main striker."
It remains to be seen whether the injury crisis will lead Houllier to sign a new striker in the January transfer window. The Frenchman has ruled out entering contract negotiations with Carew until early next year.
After the game against Fulham, Houllier's team will host Blackpool on Wednesday, 10 November before traveling to Old Trafford to face Manchester United three days later.
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