Laursen fears long lay-off

Danish international Martin Laursen could be sidelined for up to four months because of a knee injury.

'Worst prognosis'
The Aston Villa FC defender, a recent €4.3m signing from AC Milan, fears he could be out for as long as four months, but will meet a specialist at the end of the week to decide the best course of treatment. "The best prognosis says four to five weeks, but the worst one says three to four months," said the 27-year-old.

Defensive replacements
Laursen could miss his country's three remaining FIFA World Cup qualifying matches this year - against Albania, Turkey and Georgia. Denmark captain Thomas Helveg replaced Laursen in the opening qualifier against Ukraine, while Mark Delaney has stood in for Laursen for Aston Villa, playing alongside Olof Mellberg.