Aston Villa have been dealt a cruel blow ahead of their trip to Sheffield United this weekend, with the news that Tyrone Mings will be out for some time.
Mings pulled up at the weekend as Villa were hammered by Leicester City at home. It appeared to be a muscle injury and although Mings tried to carry on, he limped off minutes later.
And now, Villa’s worst fears have been confirmed. According to a report from the Daily Star, Mings could now be missing for the rest of 2019. Scans have confirmed the defender has indeed picked up a hamstring injury.
News of Mings’ injury will be a bitter blow to Villa manager, Dean Smith. The Villans have built their defence around the former Ipswich man, who has earnt an England call-up thanks to his form this term.
Indeed, last season saw Mings prove crucial as Villa fought back from three down to rescue a point against Sheffield United.
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There’s little doubt in the mind of most Sheffield United fans that Mings is Villa’s key defender. You don’t get England recognition without doing something right. And while Villa have conceded some 28 goals this term, losing Mings is a huge blow.
Chris Wilder, meanwhile, has little in the way of injury problems to contend with. Lys Mousset hobbled off at the weekend but Wilder has since confirmed the Frenchman should be fit.
That news, coupled with the update on Mings, should put the Blades boss in high spirits heading into the tie.
For Villa, they will no doubt bring in Bjorn Engels in place of Mings. Engels will likely partner Ezri Konsa in the middle of the back four.
Tyrone Mings has enjoyed a remarkable rise for Aston Villa, sadly for Villa fans, he won’t get to strut his stuff against United this weekend.