Davies facing lengthy spell on sidelines

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The centre-back went under the knife in London on Saturday evening only hours after sustaining the setback during the first half against Arsene Wenger's side.

Davies told www.avfc.co.uk: "The operation went ahead on Saturday evening and the surgeon said it went very well. Obviously there's a little bit of soreness there now and I'll just have to rest it up and let everything settle down."

Sources close to Villa indicate it will be "around six to seven months" before Davies fully recovers from the setback which means it could be October before he can contemplate playing again.

The timing of the injury could not be worse for Davies as he was named in England coach Fabio Capello's initial squad for last month's friendly international with Switzerland at Wembley.

Zat Knight is now in line to replace Davies for the final two months of the campaign. Knight played a key part during the first half of the season but lost his place to Davies in late December after having to serve a one-match suspension.

Meanwhile, skipper Gareth Barry has admitted clinching a European spot this season would be the highlight of his 10-year career with the midlands club.

The former Brighton trainee insisted playing in the Champions League or UEFA Cup in 2008-09 would make up for the many years of under-achievement by Villa during the past decade.

The England midfielder said: "The club is buoyant at the moment. I have experienced quite a few low points here but it makes times like this, when things are going so well, even better.

"If I were to captain the club into Europe, that would be the best achievement of my career. We have not achieved anything yet and this is now the most important part of the season. We have to keep our eye on the ball. There is still a lot of hard work ahead."