Carew injury another blow for Villa boss Houllier

Aston Villa boss Gerard Houllier suffered another blow on Friday when Norway striker John Carew was ruled out with a calf injury.

Houllier had planned to use Carew against Fulham this weekend as a replacement for Emile Heskey, who has been sidelined for a month with a medial ligament injury.

Carew’s absence, for up for four weeks, and Heskey’s injury are major problems for Houllier as England forward Gabriel Agbonlahor has only just started light training after a groin operation.

Houllier said: “Having Heskey out is a big blow because in the six games he played, he scored three goals and created some chances as well. His work rate was phenomenal.

“But the other blow is that John Carew won’t be playing because he picked up an injury yesterday (Thursday) in training.

“He had a scan this morning (Friday) and there is a slight tear of his calf which will rule him out for a minimum of three weeks, maybe four weeks.”

With so many stars out, Houllier confirmed he will turn to young striker Nathan Delfouneso, who will make his first Premier League start after 14 appearances as a substitute during the past three seasons.

He said: “It is an ideal opportunity for the young Nathan to step up. He will definitely be the main striker.”