Villa wait on Laursen scans

Villa skipper could miss Gunners clash with fresh knee injury

By Richard Bailey   Last updated: 23rd December 2008

Villa wait on Laursen scans

Laursen: Fresh injury concern

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Aston Villa are sweating on the fitness of captain Martin Laursen ahead of Arsenal's visit to Villa Park on Boxing Day.

Third-placed Villa will be looking to cement their position in the top four at the Gunners' expense with three points on Friday.

But Martin O'Neill may have to face Arsene Wenger's men without his towering centre-back after he experienced pain in his knee 24 hours after the 1-0 win over West Ham.

The defender has a history of knee problems and was nearly forced to retire a few years ago after an injury kept him out for the whole of the 2005/06 season.

The Danish international had looked to have put his injury woes behind him after playing 23 times for Villa this season but given his past O'Neill will be nervously awaiting the results of the scans.

Pain

"At the moment I don't know the full details. Martin came off the field against West Ham and felt fine," the Villa manager told the Express and Star.

"Then on Sunday evening he started to feel pain in his knee, so obviously got in touch with the physios and the doctor.

"He went for some scans and we are now waiting for the results. Fingers crossed it won't be too serious but we don't know yet."

Meanwhile fellow defender Carlos Cuellar is also a doubt after he picked up a knock against the Hammers.

If both do miss the Arsenal clash then Zat Knight could be brought in to partner Curtis Davies at the heart of the defence with Luke Young and Nicky Shorey playing either side of them.

The visitors on Friday also have noticeable absentees with striker Emmanuel Adebayor suspended following his dismissal against Liverpool on Sunday and captain Cesc Fabregas ruled out for four months.