Villa manager Martin O’Neill has admitted Martin Laursen’s lengthy absence could prompt him to make defensive reinforcements before the transfer window shuts.

Skipper Laursen has been ruled out for two months after knee surgery, leaving O’Neill to choose between Curtis Davies, Carlos Cuellar and Zat Knight for the three central defensive slots.

He admits injuries to any of the trio would leave him desperately short of cover.

O’Neill said: “I will certainly be considering it. We’ll definitely have a look to see what we can do. We have one more week, then after that we have to go on with whatever we have.

“Manchester United picked up three injuries in one game and that’s possible I know. In an emergency Luke Young has played at centre-back, but in essence I wouldn’t want to change it.

“We’ve got three centre backs at this minute to carry us through and eight weeks in an awfully long time.”

Gareth Barry will regain the captaincy of Villa in the absence of Laursen.

Barry was appointed skipper of Villa by Martin O’Neill in the summer of 2006, but lost the armband when it appeared he was set to join Liverpool in the close season.

O’Neill added: “To lose Martin is a real bad blow for us and a real big blow for him. Gareth will be the captain in Martin’s absence and there is no problem with that whatsoever.”

O’Neill said Villa hope to arrange a behind-closed-doors friendly next week to aid Freddie Bouma and John Carew’s recovery bids “We’re trying to organise a game halfway through next week,” he said. “Freddy’s played little bits of games here with us, but the boys have been very careful with him. It was pretty bad and he’s got that to get over.”