Aston Villa player in line for first start under Gerrard after 'huge' Nakamba blow - Hutton

Alan Hutton has admitted Aston Villa have been dealt a "huge blow" with Marvelous Nakamba ruled out through injury.

The former Villa defender, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, suggested the 27-year-old's absence could see Morgan Sanson make his first start under Steven Gerrard.

As quoted by the Birmingham Mail on Tuesday (14 December), Gerrard confirmed Nakamba faces "months" on the sidelines after suffering a "serious" knee injury.

The Villa boss admitted the midfielder could undergo surgery to fix the issue.

Hutton admitted the Zimbabwe international would be sorely missed.

However, he insisted the door is open for someone else to step to the plate.

Hutton told Football Insider's Russell Edge: "I think since the new manager's come in he's really taken his game to a new level.

"He's really been working hard and he fits into the system and the plan that Steven Gerrard wants to play.

"With the three in midfield, you can get bodies round about him, he's defensive-minded but he can always pass forward.

"So I think it is a huge blow. However, I just feel when someone gets injured an opportunity for somebody else.

"You look at the likes of Sanson and these guys who haven't been getting minutes. They are desperate to play football.

"Can they impose themselves now? Can they get in that team and make the place theirs? There's an opportunity for somebody to go and grasp."

Sanson, 27, has only made three substitute appearances for Villa since Gerrard's appointment.

Injuries and illness mean he has played just 13 times for the Villans to date.

In other news, pundit claims "next Jack Grealish" is already at Aston Villa.