Villa fear long Carew absence

LONDON (AFP) - Aston Villa striker John Carew is expected to be out of action for some time following a knee ligament injury against Everton at the weekend.

Carew scored in the 2-0 home victory but the Norway international limped out of the action early in the second half on Sunday.

Carew underwent a scan on Monday and Villa will make no official statement until the full extent of the results are known within the next 24 hours.

But it is understood Villa manager Martin O'Neill's initial fears that Carew could be out of action for a considerable period will be realised.

It is a big blow as the power and strength of Carew as well as his ability to hold up the ball offers an alternative to the pace and trickery of Gabriel Agbonlahor and Ashley Young.