Blow for Villa as Benteke misses festive fare

Struggling Aston Villa have been dealt a massive blow with the news striker Christian Benteke will miss all their Christmas programme.

The striker missed the weekend defeat by Stoke and now Villa boss Paul Lambert must plan without him for crucial games against Crystal Palace, Swansea and Sunderland.

“He needs to have a wee bit of a rest and treatment. It’s not long-term, I’m pretty sure it is not,” said Lambert.