Bouma injury update

Martin O'Neill says Wilfred Bouma has suffered a dislocated ankle but admits the severity of the injury could have been much worse.

There were huge fears that Bouma had suffered a similar injury to the one that Arsenal star Eduardo picked up last season, but thankfully this time there is no break.

The skin has not broken either and although the injury is still a big blow to the player and club, O'Neill admits it could have been worse.

"The doctor is back from the hospital and says it's a dislocation," O'Neill told Villa's official website. "Thankfully the skin isn't broken, which is really good news. They've re-set it and he's now in plaster.

"It's obviously a serious injury to a player who's been playing exceptionally well - he had a great, great season last year and he will be missed.

"The players are going to visit him tonight and we wish him all the very best and the injury is a big blow to us."