Carlos Cuellar faces spell out injured

Villa defender Carlos Cuellar is set for a spell on the sidelines after it emerged today that he has undergone an operation on a torn meniscus in his right knee.

The 29-year-old Spaniard went under the knife to solve the problem in his knee, having sustained the injury earlier in the season, and could be out for up to three months.

It appears that Cuellar could have had the operation earlier in the campaign but, after Richard Dunne and James Collins suffered shoulder and calf injuries respectively, he was required as cover so it was delayed.

The defender was also visited by close friend and physiotherapist Jose Villarino at the beginning of May, having made just 12 Premier League appearances this season.

His last appearance in a claret and blue shirt came as a 78th-minute substitute against Newcastle on April 10, having last started the match against Wolves on March 19.

A lack of match action had prompted speculation that Cuellar, who signed for Villa for £7.8million from Glasgpw Rangers in 2008, could be one that manager Gerard Houllier will look to move out in the summer.

But, earlier this month, Cuellar stated his desire to remain at Villa despite rumoured interest from clubs in his native Spain, including Villarreal and Espanyol.

And Villa assistant boss Gary McAllister confirmed a fortnight ago that the Madrid-born defender is still very much in their thinking.

McAllister said: "Of course he's got a part to play here. Off the top of my head I think he's got a year left. That tells you something.

"The club made a big commitment to him and he's made a big commitment to us."