Villa blow as Dunne set for a spell out

Richard Dunne was today facing up to the prospect of up to two months on the sidelines with a shoulder injury sustained in Villa's defeat to Manchester City.

The Ireland centre-back challenged City goalkeeper Joe Hart as Villa went in search of an equaliser late in the game but fell awkwardly and had to be substituted.

Dunne left Villa Park with his arm in a sling. He was examined by a specialist immediately and early indications are that he has dislocated his shoulder.

He was due for a scan later today and although Villa boss Alex McLeish does not want to put an exact timescale on Dunne's return, he ruled out a return in the near future.

"He's not going to be back for the next game, that's for sure. I don't know at this moment exactly what's happened. He's definitely damaged his shoulder which is part of the bad luck we've been having recently," said McLeish.

"I don't know what they do if it's dislocated. I can't give you an answer just now. I do believe he will be out for at least a month. That's serious enough."

McLeish was also without Ciaran Clark after the versatile youngster picked up a knee injury in training before the game.

"He caught his studs in the turf and he's tweaked a ligament," added the boss.