Petrov prepared for three-month absence

02 November 2010 12:40
Aston Villa captain Stiliyan Petrov has revealed he expects to be out injured for around three months - and is "bitterly disappointed".[LNB] Petrov's prognosis is at the higher end of the timescale set last week by manager Gerard Houllier, who confirmed the midfielder would be sidelined until at least Christmas.[LNB]Petrov suffered a partial medial knee ligament tear in last month's 1-0 Premier League defeat at Sunderland.[LNB]He said on his club's official website: "I'm bitterly disappointed not to be involved.[LNB]"I feel okay, but the knee injury I picked up against Sunderland means I will be out for around three months.[LNB]"It was one of those things and you have just got to accept that sometimes these things happen in football.[LNB]"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.[LNB]"But I have every confidence in the boys to go out there and perform to the best of their ability.[LNB]"The team have been working really hard under the new manager and we have been playing well recently.[LNB]"We've been creating a lot of chances too so hopefully we can start putting a few more of them away.[LNB]"But it will take time and that is something that every team needs under a new manager."[LNB]Nigel Reo-Coker has taken over the armband in Petrov's absence and he has been backed by team-mate Barry Bannan to do justice to the role.[LNB]"Nigel has done really well," Bannan said. "He is an experienced player. He knows what he is doing.[LNB]"It is not as if he is new to it because he captained West Ham and Wimbledon when he was younger.[LNB]"So, he is a great replacement captain because he has been there before and done it before."

Source: Team_Talk