Villa defender Stephen Warnock will find out next week whether an extended spell on the sidelines is needed.

The left-back was forced off in last weekend’s FA Cup win over Brighton with a shin problem and missed Wednesday’s goalless draw with Arsenal.

Villa and Warnock, who has impressed since his £8m summer move from Blackburn, now face an anxious wait over the weekend before discovering the results of tests after the England international visited a specialist this week.

Villa boss Martin O’Neill said: “There is not anything definite I can tell you. He did see a specialist a couple of nights ago and we are waiting for some more results of other tests coming through.

“I would say it will be Monday or Tuesday before we know the extent of things.”

O’Neill has already brought Nicky Shorey back from Nottingham Forest as cover for Luke Young in the position, however the Championship club are believed to be still keen to bring the former

Reading man back to the City ground on a fresh loan deal.

However, it looks like Habib Beye is set to stay at Villa with the former Newcastle man’s wage demands understood to have put off Sunderland.

Meanwhile, O’Neill has revealed he confronted Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger over his claims that Villa play long-ball football after the midweek clash between the two clubs.

O’Neill had described Wenger’s comments as “an appalling insult” in his post-match press conference following the stalemate at Villa Park.

The former Celtic boss also made his feelings known to Wenger before the visitors left Villa Park.

The comments have incensed the Villa playing staff, with central defender James Collins describing them as “ridiculous” and “stupid”.

O’Neill said: “Arsene is an excellent manager but, as I said the other evening, he has made a few ridiculous statements during his time.

“I also told Mr Wenger at the same time (after the press conference) and told him I felt the comments he had made were out of order.

“Wasn’t it not long ago that he described Manchester United as anti-football?

“Like I said, he is a terrific manager but comments like that, although they do raise a laugh, also do become a little tiresome.

“I actually would say we are a fine footballing side with people like Ashley Young, Gabriel Agbonlahor and James Milner.”