Gary Gardner to be sidelined for "eight to nine months" through injury

Aston Villa have confirmed that midfielder Gary Gardner will be sidelined for "eight to nine months" with an anterior cruciate ligament injury.

The 20-year-old adds to the Villans' injury woes, which include Gabriel Agbonlahor, Marc Albrighton and Richard Dunne.

Villa boss Paul Lambert said: "It's a blow and it's definitely a blow for the lad, but he's very positive and he'll get great attention all the way through his rehab."

Gardner has made 17 appearances for the Midlands club.