Steve Bruce fears the worst over Scott Hogan injury

The January buy from Brentford fell badly in the defeat to Newcastle and was left in agony when he turned his ankle. The 24-year-old was stretchered from the pitch and underwent a scan yesterday with Villa likely to know the full extent of the damage today.

The injury adds to a lengthy list of strikers currently out of action for Steve Bruce, with Gabby Agbonlahor and Libor Kozak both already injured.

Confirmation of the seriousness of Hogan's injury is likely to arrive on Wednesday, as Villa prepare to face Derby County on the weekend.

Boss Steve Bruce was left fearing the worst but hoping for the best as he departed St James' Park on Monday night.

"We fear the worst. We won't know the full extent until the scans have been completed," said the Villa boss.

"The consequences of losing Scott would be huge. Let's keep our fingers crossed that it's not serious."

Meanwhile, one glimmer of hope for Villa was the return of Mile Jedinak from a groin injury. His performance helped solidify Villa as they put in a performance which matched the league leaders only to be let down defensively by two poor goals.

"He gives our defenders protection," added Bruce. "He's a man in there. We have missed that, especially away from home. It's the way we played when we went on our run when I first arrived. It was good to see Mile back."

Villa currently sit 17th in the Championship table, six points clear of the relegation zone.