Laursen needs surgery

Aston Villa 's Martin Laursen could be out until after Christmas.

David O'Leary had admitted he feared Laursen's knee injury, suffered against Charlton, would be a long-term problem.

The Villa boss' fears have been confirmed, with Laursen told he requires surgery and a lengthy lay-off.

"This news means I'm out of action for a long time, and there's nothing really to say about it besides I'm sorry," Laursen told DR Sporten.

"I can't play for the national side or Aston Villa."

Laursen joined Aston Villa for a fee of around £3 million this summer, after spells at Milan and Parma in Serie A.