By Amir Mir
Aston Villa supporters wished Ritchie De Laet a speedy recovery after the right-back revealed he is set to miss the rest of the season through injury.
The 27-year-old took to his personal Twitter account on Friday afternoon to inform supporters that he will be sidelined for the remainder of the campaign after damaging ligaments in his knee.
Villa supporters expressed their devastation to the news, as the defender had only signed for the Midlands club in the summer transfer window from Leicester City.
The Villa Park faithful agreed that the Belgian had a strong start to the season since making his move, before having his season crushingly cut short.
De Laet was injured during the second-half of Villa’s 1-1 draw with Brentford on Wednesday night and it now means either Leandro Bacuna, Micah Richards, Alan Hutton or James Chester will fill the void at right-back.
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Villa supporters backed Richards to start at right-back against Ipswich on Saturday afternoon, despite the former City man not starting a league game this term.
Here are Villa fans wishing De Laet a speedy recovery after he announced his injury news.
Absolutely gutted that I'm gonna miss this season but I'm sure the boys will turn it around and get us up there #UTV
— ritchie de laet (@de_laet_r) September 16, 2016
I'd like to see Richards start tomorrow.. controversial and won't sit well with Villa fans #AVFC
— Cormac Joyce (@joyce_cormac) September 16, 2016
https://twitter.com/Clark3y/status/776754946494566400
Now is the time for @MicahRichards to step up and show us what he's made of #avfc
— Ian Sweeney (@iansweeno79) September 16, 2016
The whole season!? I knew it was a lengthy spell, but not that long! 😳 All the best with the recovery! #AVFC https://t.co/mqpxA8NDLn
— Alex Franklin (@AFranklin_AVFC) September 16, 2016
Gutted for @de_laet_r started well I thought. Another huge injury like @JordanAmavi early last season! When your luck is down 👎🏼 #AVFC #VTID
— Jack Hopkins 🦁 (@iamJackoH) September 16, 2016
You'll be a big loss. Richie get be soon come back stronger than ever #avfc #utv https://t.co/V7cfsuTsk0
— Emmet Byrne (@byrnesey_avfc) September 16, 2016
https://twitter.com/Joey_AVFC/status/776754787568197632
Gutted for De Laet. Being out for some time is a big blow for us – he's looked solid the last few games. #AVFC
— Alex Franklin (@AFranklin_AVFC) September 16, 2016
In other Aston Villa team news, this is the reason why Roberto Di Matteo has one month to prove himself at the club.