BBC News | FA CARLING PREMIERSHIP | Dublin injury hits Villa

BBC News Online: Sport: Football: FA Carling Premiership

Sunday, 19 December, 1999, 18:30 GMT

Dublin injury hits Villa

Aston Villa have been rocked by the news that leading scorer Dion Dublin will be out of action for up to three months after undergoing a neck operation.

Dublin suffered the injury in a second half collision with Sheffield Wednesday substitute Gerald Sibon during Saturday's Premiership match.

We were all concerned at the time for Dion didn't look too clever when he was rushed off to hospital on the stretcher.
Villa skipper Gareth Southgate

Villa's Ł5.75m capture from Coventry City nearly 14 months ago was immediately taken to hospital for precautionary X-rays and has now had surgery.

Villa physio Jim Walker said: "Dion has had an operation on his neck and we expect him to be discharged from hospital on Wednesday.

"The operation went well and he should be able to resume training in a couple of months."

It is a massive blow for Villa manager John Gregory given the over-reliance on Dublin for goals this season - particularly in the Premiership.

Villa secretary Steve Stride said: "It is a real setback to lose a top notch player like Dion Dublin at this stage but all our thoughts centre on him making a complete recovery."

Dublin has scored 13 goals this season and Gregory believes he has been showing the form which earned him an England spot last season

Related to this story:
Worthington forfeit for Hammers (17 Dec 99 | Football)
Villa make hard work of it (18 Dec 99 | FA Carling Premiership)

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