Aston Villa defender Tyrone Mings is about to miss most of the Premier League season after damaged knee ligaments… with Villans reeling from a second serious injury after a punch from Emiliano Buendia

Tyrone Mings has been sidelined for a long period after damaging his knee ligaments in Aston Villa’s opening day defeat at Newcastle.

The England defender was carried off on a stretcher in the first half and Villa feared the injury was serious on Saturday night.

Their concerns have now been realized with Mings – one of Unai Emery’s key players – now set to miss much of the campaign.

It was a Villa player’s second serious knee injury in days, after striker Emiliano Buendia also damaged his anterior cruciate ligament during training late last week.

While Diego Carlos, Pau Torres and Calum Chambers provide cover for Mings, Villa will greatly miss his leadership.

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Even though he was stripped of the captain’s armband a year ago by former boss Steven Gerrard, Mings remains one of the most vocal and influential players in the Villa squad.

When Villa capitulated at St James’ Park in the second half, it was clear the players were troubled by Mings’ injury, which immediately looked serious. Captain John McGinn and goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez will take on even more important roles without him.

Mings took to social media to thank fans for messages and support, and Newcastle staff for their help.

On Twitter, the defender wrote: ‘I don’t even know where to start but to thank you for all your support for Villa fans. From the day I came here on loan, I gave everything on the pitch. I will now give everything off the field to come back even better while supporting the team.

“I would also like to thank the Newcastle players, fans and staff. The applause, messages & medical support I received that day was much appreciated.’

With Buendia out, Villa continues to look for a left-sided midfielder. They considered moving for Jack Harrison, but ultimately decided against it, and the winger is now on loan to Everton from Leeds for a year.

Villa are also interested in Italian striker Nicolo Zaniolo, although the exact nature of the deal with Galatasaray has yet to be decided.