Mellberg sidelined by surgery

Last updated : 07 April 2005 By Pancho Villa

The Swedish international has missed just one English Premiership game this season, but was substituted at half-time at St James' Park and is now expected to miss the remainder of the season.

"I’m waiting for reports on the full extent of the injury," David O'Leary said. "It is a blow but we don't yet know how much of a blow." If he is ruled out of the closing stages of the campaign it will be a cruel twist to Villa’s season as it began to look up following the return of Martin Laursen with victory at Newcastle.

It is possible the 27-year-old could also miss Sweden's home FIFA World Cup qualifier with Malta in June.