Aston Villa full back Ritchie De Laet has announced he will miss the remainder of the season and may require surgery after suffering a serious knee injury.
Roberto Di Matteo only signed De Laet from Leicester over the summer in one of nine additions to the squad but the defender was stretchered off during Villa’s 1-1 draw with Brentford on Wednesday.
The Villa manager has since confirmed the injury sustained to the right-back is a serious one and the 27-year-old has revealed his season is already offer.
“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,” Di Matteo told The Birmingham Mail.
“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 and has shown some good performances.
“He’s a likeable player to have around and has a great work ethic."
Absolutely gutted that I'm gonna miss this season but I'm sure the boys will turn it around and get us up there #UTV
— ritchie de laet (@de_laet_r) September 16, 2016
The Belgian defender had made a positive start to life at Villa. In his three appearances for Villa this season he averages 2.3 tackles per game and is also fouled 1.3 times per match.
For more stats on Ritchie De Laet, click here to visit his WhoScored player page
