Express & Star

Aston Villa keeper Brad Guzan is hit with an injury scare

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Brad Guzan today added to Villa's spiralling injury list after being left out of the USA squad with a mystery injury.

moreThe goalkeeper has been omitted for the games against Scotland and Austria despite playing in Saturday's win over Cardiff.

Guzan was expected to be given a chance in at least one of the matches after starting in the USA's final World Cup qualifier against Panama last month.

Jurgen Klinsmann's side qualified for Brazil 2014 with Guzan fighting with Everton's Tim Howard to start while DC United's Bill Hamid and Sean Johnson of Chicago Fire trying to fill the third goalkeeping spot.

"The results in MLS wound up fitting in with our roster plans, so we didn't need to call in any guys who are still in the playoffs," Klinsmann said. "There are some injury issues that now give other players the chance to step up."

Guzan has kept three clean sheets in the last five games with Villa 11th in the Premier League after the 2-0 win over Cardiff.

Fabian Delph (knee), Andi Weimann (hamstring), Gabby Agbonlahor (ankle), Antonio Luna (hamstring), Joe Bennett (back) and Gary Gardner (back) all missed the game. Paul Lambert is hopeful of having the majority back by the time Villa go to Albion on November 25.

But he could be forced into a climb-down and recall the exiled Shay Given to the squad if Guzan fails to recover.

Given has not played a Premier League game since August 2012 and last featured for Villa in the 2-1 FA Cup defeat to Millwall in January. Jed Steer is Guzan's No.2 after moving from Norwich.