Aston Villa: Martin Laursen left frustrated by injury problems

Feb 7 2009 by Mathew Kendrick, Birmingham Mail

Martin Laursen

MARTIN Laursen has spoken of his frustration at having to miss a crucial part of Aston Villa’s season with a serious knee problem.

But the claret-and-blue captain is backing the rest of Martin O’Neill’s squad to keep their success story rolling in his absence.

Laursen will be out until the end of March after surgery on the knee he injured at West Ham United and aggravated against West Brom.

During that time, Villa face an FA Cup fifth-round trip to Everton next weekend and a UEFA Cup last-32 double header against CSKA Moscow on February 18 and 26.

It is also a crucial period in their challenge to clinch a Champions League place by breaking into the Premier League top four.

“There’s a lot of exciting games coming up and I’m just sorry I won’t be part of it,” said Laursen.

“Apart from continuing our push for a top-four spot in the Premier League, there’s also the FA Cup and the UEFA Cup tie against CSKA Moscow at the end of the month.