The Denmark international has been carrying the injury in recent weeks and it has been decided that he should now go under the knife.

The former AC Milan player has a history of knee problems and at one stage early in his Villa career it looked as though he would have to quit the game.

But Villa were quick to stress the current problem is in his right knee, not the left one which has given him all his previous problems.

A Villa statement read: "Martin Laursen has been ruled out for eight weeks after undergoing a knee operation."

Laursen has been an inspirational figure for Martin O'Neill's side and played a key role in them qualifying for this season's UEFA Cup and sustaining a challenge for a top four place in the Barclays Premier League.

He has formed a solid defensive partnership with Curtis Davies and has also had the knack of weighing in with several important goals.

His absence means Zat Knight and Carlos Cuellar will be battling for a place in the back four alongside Davies.

Laursen will miss Villa's next UEFA Cup match with CSKA Moscow towards the end of February and a host of Barclays Premier League matches.

premierleague.com

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#wengerout

I tifosi dei Villans stapperanno lo champagne immagino

Non credo proprio! Il Laursen della Premier League è un altro giocatore rispetto a quello che stentava al Milan. E' diventato vicecapitano dietro Barry e leader di una squadra che, soprattutto quest'anno, sta stupendo.

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Laursen leader fa un po ridere scusami

te ne devo dare atto... quanti brividi mi ha fatto passare quando era al Milan!

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In realtà quest'anno Laursen è capitano, O'Neill ha deciso di togliere la fascia a Barry dopo che in estate ha fatto di tutto per andare al Liverpool (senza riuscirci).

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Prova, prova, un due tre, prova.

Embè anche io a calcetto sono il capitano della mia squadra ma mica me ne vanto
Laursen al Milan l'ho amato fino a Milan Lazio del 2001/02

Cioè l'hai amato sì e no tre partite...

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Si, quelle dove ha segnato