Aston Villa News 24/7Writer: J P Fear 
Date:Tuesday September 25 2007
Time: 1:29PM
UK time is: 11:05:56
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Villa Sustain Two Key Injuries
Looks like the injuries are starting to kick in already with Villa striker John Carew out for between 4-6 weeks and Wilfred Bouma set to miss the Carling Cup game against Leicester City tomorrow night.
This is where the already threadbare squad will be tested to its limit, which is quite maddening when you think the money was there for re-enforcements during the summer.
Big John limped off in the game against Everton at the weekend and scans have revealed knee ligament damage. The official site estimates he will miss at least three of our upcoming games (Leicester, Spurs and West Ham).
Martin O'Neill told avfc.com: 'It's a blow because he's a key player for us. But this is going to happen during the course of a season and you have to cope with it. It's now all about players coming in, doing well and staking their claim. Even when Carew wasn't scoring goals I still think he was a handful for the opposition. Opposing managers and backroom staff would all say he caused big problems. His confidence was up from getting the goal - that was a big relief to him. But we have had to do without him before and at crucial times last season. The game at Blackburn Rovers I remember in particular. We will probably end up playing differently again, but we are capable of doing that.'
Carew said yesterday 'This is a bad and stupid time to be injured for Villa and my national team. It's hurting and I'm worried it will take a long time to heal.'
Meanwhile left-back Wilf is struggling with an ankle injury and will miss tomorrows game with Republic of Ireland international Stephen O'Halloran on stand by to fill in.
O'Neill confirmed: 'Freddie Bouma is injured. He injured his ankle in the first couple of minutes on Sunday. He was able to play on but it was very sore, so we didn't want to take any risks. I'm hoping he'll be fit for Monday, but he won't be in contention for tomorrow, so we have to make a few enforced changes.'
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Your Comments
This will be the tester, Jan is a long time away. we can't afford too many injuries. UTV
*Holte*End*Star*
Are we still sure the money was there ? - 2 loan signings and a couple of £3-4m cheapies - are hardley the actions of a manager with masses at his disposal. Think the Myth that MON has millions to spend is looking a bit thin now.
qKing
This is now the test.This injury to Carew, may work out in our favour longterm.As he was apparently struggling with a bit of groin problem and the prolonged rest may clear that up.Getting up fully fit leadting into Dec and the New year.
OneloveVilla
Maybe time for the 3-5-2 with Davies making a start and Gardner back in midfield.
Hoss The Villain
Two blows, the former seemingly more potentially worrying than the latter. Opportunities for others to step up to the plate though, so we musn't allow ourselves to be overly negative. From adversity we need to find a new strength, and push on from what has been a pretty reasonable start. Speedy recovery to Freddie, and more importantly in view of the injury, to Big John also.
glensider
I'm 100% sure the money was there qKing. Even the manager himself said it was, as did the board and the owner.
The Fear
We convincingly beat both Blackburn and Boro away last season without Big John, so it might not be the blow some anticipate. However I am a big fan of his and would be keen to have him back when we have to go the Sty.
voiceoftheholte
Wilf's only out for wednesday at the moment lets not get all doom and gloom just yet. Carew could be a problem but maybe Marlene will get a chance now?
nottinghamvillain
Losing Carew last season, was the atart of the turn around.
Mind O'Neill didn't have the Harewood option then :(
avfc48
I love the use of the phrase "key player". Do we have a first-team player that isn't key? Answers on a postcard..
Saurat
dunno fear
Money there - but a manager unwilling to spend ? I don't care who says its there - I am sceptical - no disrepect to the players mentioned - but if you have a hefty fund - would you really go for harewood and knight - then bring two players in on loan ? - I smell something here.
qKing
I personaly think it will be good that Carew is out, we can play attacking football again instead of hoofing it up front all the time, too much of it lately, once you start doing that, it becomes a habit and the easy option. Maloney, Young, Gabby, Moore and Harewood can all juggle positions and score goals, hope Bouma's ok though.
astonmilan
and qking....are you saying Knight was a bad signing ??.....who would you have bought ?? ......Cannavaro, Nesta, Terry ????....or maybe the unproven Hangeland that everybody was linked to by his agent, but no one actualy wanted ???.....the lad's played very well and will become better under MON. Wait until Salifou gets unleashed, he will light up the prem with his skill and poise, MON has bought a gem in Salifou....
astonmilan
Carew is out we have several replacements - Harewood, Maloney, Young, Gabbi, Moore can all play as strikers so no worry there.
The young lad O'Halloran is apparently very very good so cover there and even Barry if needs be - with plenty of cover in Midfield....cannot see the problem myself.
KSarge1
Davies will play tonight. Just not sure, 4 centre halves covering our defence?!!! I can see Barry playing LB, Gardner in Midfield, Davies and Knight, rest Laursen and play Mellberg at Right Back.
leelindsay
King you say that 2 me made 2 3-4 Mil signings and then 2 loan signings but Davies would have been permanent had West Brom not wanted it to be a loan signing for tax reasons. The money is definitely there MON just thought we had a good enough team without mixing it up to much!! If signings are needed in January then they will be made without a doubt!!
tdiddyo
The last thing that this squad needs is two or three injuries, particularly to the so called key performers.
glensider
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