Laursen blow for Villa

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

The Denmark international has been carrying the injury in recent weeks and it has been decided that he should now go under the knife.

The former AC Milan player has a history of knee problems and at one stage early in his Villa career it looked as though he would have to quit the game but Villa were quick to stress the current problem is in his right knee, not the left one which has given him all his previous problems.

A Villa statement read: "Martin Laursen has been ruled out for eight weeks after undergoing a knee operation."

Laursen has been an inspirational figure for Martin O'Neill's side and played a key role in them qualifying for this season's UEFA Cup and sustaining a challenge for a top four place in the Barclays Premier League.

He has formed a solid defensive partnership with Curtis Davies and has also had the knack of weighing in with several important goals.

His absence means Zat Knight and Carlos Cuellar will be battling for a place in the back four alongside Davies.

Laursen will miss Villa's next UEFA Cup clash with CSKA Moscow towards the end of February and a host of Premier League matches.