Stiliyan Petrov: I'll be out for three months
Aston Villa captain Stiliyan Petrov has confirmed that he expects to be out of the game for around 12 weeks.
Petrov suffered a partial medial ligament tear to his knee during the 1-0 defeat at Sunderland. Aston Villa manager Gerard Houllier has promised the club will not rush him back and expects his return in
the New Year.
"I'm bitterly disappointed not to be involved.
I feel okay, but the knee injury I picked up against Sunderland means I will be out for around three months.
It was one of those things and you have just got to accept that sometimes these things happen in football," said Petrov said to his club's official website.
Aston Villa would have been hoping for a shorter recovery time and this news will be a big blow to the club. Fortunately there is good cover in the midfield area of the
team.
A huge blow
Petrov will be hugely missed because he is a big character and the club captain. His role is vital when Aston Villa is under pressure during big Premier League and domestic
games.
He is one of the grittier and more determined players in the Aston Villa team. The club will now have to find someone else who can run all over the pitch throwing in tackles
and challenges to disrupt the opposition play.
This cover will have to come via an extended run in the side from the likes of Stephen Ireland. However, Ireland is currently out of favour with Houllier because of a poor
work ethic.
"It is the first time I have been out for such a lengthy period since I suffered
a broken leg when playing for Celtic 10 years ago. But I have every confidence in the boys to go out there and perform to the best of their ability," he added.
Betting advice
Wait one or two games to see how the side reacts without a very important play. There will be an unexpected chance for Petrov's replacement so back the player that comes
into the side to do very well during his absence from the team.
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