Aston Villa Football Club News

• Nickname:The Villains
• Founded:1874
• Manager:Alex McLeish

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Villa lose injured Petrov

04 Dec 2007 - 13:49:28

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Aston Villa will be without Stiliyan Petrov for around two weeks after the Bulgaria midfielder picked up a hamstring injury.

The 28-year-old playmaker was replaced after just 30 minutes of Saturday's 2-1 defeat by Arsenal at Villa Park and scans have confirmed a hamstring problem.

The former Celtic player will now miss Saturday's visit of Portsmouth and the trip to Sunderland seven days later.

Craig Gardner, who scored against the Gunners, is likely to step into the void created by Petrov's absence.

"We have had the scans back and Stiliyan has definitely got something there that will require a couple of weeks out," revealed Villa boss Martin O'Neill.

"I can't be absolutely sure of the time span but he certainly looks as if he will be missing for a fortnight and that is a real shame for him.

"Since he came back into the side, Stiliyan has been doing very well and has been close to getting back to his best form.

"He has only shown in flashes what I know he is capable of from his time at Celtic.

"Things haven't gone as well as he would have liked but recent signs have been encouraging."