Laursen shocked by Bouma

Villa defender rues team-mate's injury

Last updated: 28th July 2008

Wilfred Bouma screams in pain Aston Villa v Odense

Bouma: Body blow

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Martin Laursen admits he has never seen an injury as severe as that suffered by Wilfred Bouma at the weekend.

The Aston Villa left-back is now facing several months on the sidelines following a collision with Odense's Baye Djiby Faye that left him with a horribly dislocated ankle.

Bouma's injury evoked memories of Eduardo da Silva's last season, with Villa captain Nigel Reo-Coker left in tears when he saw its severity.

"I have never seen any injury like that before," Laursen said.

"Wilfred was screaming and when you see someone of his character scream like that, you know he is in a lot of pain.

"It looked pretty bad and we know he will be out for some months but at least the skin was not broken, otherwise it could have been even worse."

Having played all 38 Premier League matches for Villa last season, Bouma will be difficult to replace.

On the look-out

Gareth Barry took the responsibility this weekend, although manager Martin O'Neill confirmed he will now look for a replacement.

"We were looking around anyway given the workload we have, so that search will continue," said the Ulsterman.

O'Neill has also assured Bouma, who is in the final year of his contract, that he will almost certainly get a new deal, with no timescale being put on his recovery.

"He should not rush back - it is not a problem," O'Neill said.

Barry would be the obvious short-term replacement at full-back and there is a growing feeling he could be around to fill the void as Liverpool continue to ponder whether to meet Villa's £18million asking price.

The reception Barry received on Saturday must have at least assured him that there will be no ill-feeling should he decide to stay, which is definitely the outcome Laursen is hoping for.

Barry stay?

"I don't think it is certain Gareth will go," Laursen continued.

"When you have the possibility of going to a Champions League club then you have to think about it. But I am sure he is happy here. He is very popular and the fans like him.

"I don't know what he wants but we hope he stays because he is so important to the team."