Football
PA Sport 8y

Aston Villa defender Ritchie De Laet out for season

New Aston Villa signing Ritchie De Laet has announced he is out for the rest of the season.

The defender was carried off during Wednesday's 1-1 draw with Brentford and may need surgery on a knee injury.

De Laet only joined Villa from Leicester last month and the Championship game with the Bees was just his third appearance for the club.

He wrote on Twitter: "Absolutely gutted that I'm gonna miss this season but I'm sure the boys will turn it around and get us up there."

Boss Roberto Di Matteo told the Birmingham Mail: "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.

"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."

De Laet won a Premier League winners' medal with Leicester last season after making 12 league appearances while he also earned a medal after helping Middlesbrough to promotion from the Championship in May.

Villa go to Ipswich 17th in the table after winning just seven points from their first seven games following relegation last season.

^ Back to Top ^