Laursen still in shock at Bouma injury

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The horror injury Bouma suffered during Villa's Intertoto Cup triumph over Odense BK on Saturday has put a dampener on their qualification for the UEFA Cup.

"I have never seen any injury like that before," said Laursen.

Bouma is now facing several months on the sidelines following a collision with Baye Djiby Faye that left him with a horribly dislocated ankle.

Skipper Nigel Reo-Coker was in tears when he saw the severity of the incident and Laursen admitted he was equally moved.

He added: "Wilfred was screaming and when you see someone of his character scream like that, you know he is in a lot of pain. It looked pretty bad and we know he will be out for some months but at least the skin was not broken, otherwise it could have been even worse."

Gareth Barry would be the obvious short-term replacement at full-back and there is a growing feeling he could be around to fill the void as Liverpool continue to ponder whether to meet Villa's £18million asking price.

The reception Barry received on Saturday must have at least assured him that there will be no ill-feeling should he decide to stay, which is definitely the outcome Laursen is hoping for.

"I don't think it is certain Gareth will go," Laursen continued.

"When you have the possibility of going to a Champions League club then you have to think about it. But I am sure he is happy here. He is very popular and the fans like him. I don't know what he wants but we hope he stays because he is so important to the team."