MELLBERG SIDELINED AFTER HAMSTRING TEAR

By Ryan Ghee
December 15 2005

Aston Villa have been dealt a major blow ahead of the busy Christmas schedule with the news that Olof Mellberg will be sidelined after tearing his hamsting against Bolton.

The Swedish defender pulled up with the injury in the closing stages of Villa's 1-1 draw with Bolton on Saturday but played on through the pain barrier as O'Leary had already used all three substitutes.

However, the defender has missed training all this week and yesterday's scan revealed that the injury is severe enough to keep him out of the side for the entire Christmas programme.

Speaking to the club's official website, a rather optimistic Mellberg revealed, "I felt it go in the last five minutes against Bolton and I was really struggling. But I knew I couldn't come off because we'd already used all three substitutes.

"I then hoped it wouldn't be too serious, but I'm definately ruled out against Manchester United, which is frustrating.

"Like all players I want to play in every game and especially the big games against teams like Manchester United. I really didn't want to miss this one. Hopefully I won't be out for too long."

If the injury does keep the Sweden international sidelined until the new year, Villa will have to make do without him for the vital games against Everton, Fulham, Arsenal and West Brom, as well as Saturday's match against Manchester United.