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Aston Villa's Ritchie De Laet suffers season-ending injury

BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 11:  Ritchie De Laet of Villa looks on during the Sky Bet Championship match between Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest at V
Image: Ritchie De Laet joined Aston Villa from Leicester in an undisclosed deal earlier this summer

Aston Villa defender Ritchie De Laet has announced he will miss the rest of the season after suffering a knee injury.

The 27-year-old, who joined from Premier League champions Leicester in the summer, was stretchered off in Villa's 1-1 draw with Brentford.

It was only De Laet's third appearance for the club, and the Belgian now looks set to serve a lengthy spell on the sidelines, which could include knee surgery.

"Absolutely gutted that I'm gonna miss this season but I'm sure the boys will turn it around and get us up there," De Laet said on Twitter.

Leicester City players celebrate winning the Premier League title during a training session at Belvoir Drive
Image: De Laet won a Premier League winners' medal with Leicester after making 12 league appearances last season

Villa manager Roberto Di Matteo added: "Unfortunately Ritchie De Laet has a serious injury, it's looking today that he will need surgery so he will be out for a while.

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"I feel very sorry for the boy. He was so happy to come here, to join us.

"He's had a really positive impact within the group as well and has shown some good performances. He's a really likeable player to have around and has a great work ethic."

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Roberto Di Matteo
Image: Aston Villa manager Roberto Di Matteo has only won one game out of seven in the Championship this season

Di Matteo's side have struggled since being relegated to the second tier of English football, as they have only picked up seven points in their opening seven games.

Aston Villa travel to Ipswich Town on Saturday.

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