Aston Villa suffer injury blow ahead of Arsenal clash

Aston Villa have suffered an injury blow with left-back Lucas Digne set for a spell on the sidelines.

According to the Daily Mail, Digne is likely to be absent for at least three weeks after damaging a hamstring during Villa’s 2-1 loss at West Ham on Sunday (March 13).

The report does say that Calum Chambers is hopeful of being fit for Villa’s clash with Arsenal on Saturday (19 March) after he suffered a facial injury at the London Stadium.

Following the game on Sunday, Steven Gerrard also revealed the extent of the facial injury suffered by Douglas Luiz, claiming that the Brazilian will ‘need some expert help’ in getting it right.

Luiz was on the end of a high boot from South American rival Manuel Lanzini right at the end of the first-half and it was evident from the off that it had left the midfielder incredibly dazed.

The Villa players in the vicinity of the challenge were demanding a red card from referee Jarred Gillett but he adjudged it just a yellow, a decision that VAR agreed with.

Luiz did return for the second-half but not after receiving some stitches to his lips at the break.

Speaking after the game, Gerrard explained that the 23-year-old will now require facial surgery to correct what was a real nasty blow.

“It’s a mouth injury, he’s going to need some expert help,” explained the manager.

“There will be no kissing for him tonight.

“I’m pleased he played on, that’s the type of character I want.”

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