Blow for Aston Villa as Stiliyan Petrov dislocates shoulder in Peace Cup

30 July 2009 12:53
Stiliyan Petrov has been sent home from Aston Villa's pre-season tour of Spain. The Bulgaria international dislocated his shoulder during Wednesday's 3-1 victory over Atalante. Although Villa's doctor, Roddy McDonald, popped the limb back into place in the dressing room, Petrov has today flown back to Birmingham. The extent of the damage has not yet been revealed but last season's player of the year now faces a race against time to be fit for the season's opener against Wigan Athletic at Villa Park. Petrov was one of a number of players given extended summer leave by Villa boss Martin O'Neill. But now he's unable to take any further part in the Peace Cup - and he is near-certain to also miss next Tuesday's visit to Oxford United. That will leave him short of match practise with only a friendly against Fiorentina to come and it leaves O'Neill with a major selection headache. Having sold Gareth Barry to Manchester City, the Irishman is now without the other player in central midfield who proved pivotal to Villa's success last season. So far, O'Neill has brought in only Stewart Downing as a replacement - and the England international will not be fit until December. With time now running out before the kick-off to the new campaign, Villa's boss is now coming under increasing pressure to start making waves in the transfer market.

Source: Daily_Mail