Villa are anxiously awaiting the results of scans on Stiliyan Petrov’s dislocated shoulder to discover whether he will be fit for the new season.

The claret and blues’ pre-season preparations were dealt a fresh blow last night, when the midfielder was forced off during the first half after falling awkwardly in the 3-1 win over Atlante – a result which booked a semi-final date with Porto in Malaga on Friday.

Petrov’s injury could not have come at a worse time, with the new campaign just two-and-a-half weeks away.

Villa’s shallow squad is already at full stretch due to injuries, departures and a lack of new arrivals.

Manager Martin O’Neill said: “It’s a concern to us. It’s pretty obvious at this moment that he may be a doubt. Roddy MacDonald (the club doctor) put it back immediately.

“At this stage we just don’t know about the length of time. We cannot tell just how much damage he has done. We’ll see how it is later today and in the next couple of days.

“It was very much the low point of the night.”