Aston Villa news: Lucas Digne latest is a ‘huge blow’ -Whelan
Lucas Digne’s potential injury layoff will be a “huge blow” for Aston Villa, according to Noel Whelan.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed the 28-year-old is suffering after a “stop-start” first couple of months at Villa Park.
Digne limped off with a suspected hamstring injury after just eight minutes as Aston Villa fell to a 2-1 away defeat at West Ham yesterday (13 March).
As quoted by the Birmingham Mail post-match, manager Steven Gerrard confirmed the defender is a “major doubt” for Saturday’s game against Arsenal (19 March).
The former Rangers boss confirmed Digne will have an MRI scan to assess the seriousness of his injury.
Whelan suggested Aston Villa will be ruing the Frenchman’s absence when up against “incredible” Gunners star Bukayo Saka.
“When you bring in new players, you want them to be part of the team week-in, week-out,” he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury.
“There’s no other way to help them find their feet at a new club. They’ve got to get that understanding with the players around them, and you want them to feel a real part of the team.
“He’s not really had the chance to build those types of relationships on the pitch because of the stop-start first couple of months he’s had.
“It’s a huge blow for Aston Villa because he’s a quality player. Set-pieces, experience, talent – they’re going to miss all of that, especially going into a big game against Arsenal.
“They could really do with him fit against someone like Saka – who is in incredible form.”
Digne has made eight appearances since joining Aston Villa in the January window.
Gerrard’s side paid Everton a reported £25million fee for the left-back’s services.
In other news, medical expert claims Aston Villa star “at risk” after injury update.