Knee surgery for Hendrie

ASTON VILLA have suffered another injury setback with midfielder Lee Hendrie requiring knee surgery.

A scan has shown Hendrie has suffered cartilage damage and he is expected to be out of action for around 10 days.

That will be sufficient to keep the 28-year-old out of Sunday’s home Premiership meeting with Middlesbrough.

Villa manager David O’Leary is already without Aaron Hughes, Gavin McCann, Martin Laursen, Kevin Phillips and Mark Delaney for the visit of Steve McClaren’s side.

Hendrie had a start to the season to forget after being suspended for three matches following his sending off in a pre-season game at Tamworth.

Delaney is close to returning after he underwent knee surgery in the summer, but his realistic target is the derby with Birmingham next month.