Aston Villa midfielder Steve Sidwell is to undergo surgery on his troublesome Achilles and will be sidelined until Christmas. Sidwell had been set to have an operation last month but postponed it because of Villa's midfield injury crisis. But the problem has flared up again and Villa boss Gerard Houllier is hoping that by going under the knife now, Sidwell will be available for the hectic festive programme. Houllier confirmed: "Steve Sidwell will have an operation. You remember at some stage he was about to have it and had to delay it. "But his Achilles tendon has flared up again so the best thing is to do it now - as soon as possible. "We will be hoping he will be back for the Christmas period when it is very busy."
Source: PA
Source: PA