The club had hoped that with a fortnight break from league action because of the World Cup qualifiers, the 27-year-old would have time to recover. He failed to though and the examination revealed he would need surgery, which will probably be undertaken on Friday.
The news is a blow for Villa and anyone who has had the misfortune to catch a post-match interview with David O'Leary this season will know the club is not exactly brimming with talented reserves.
In Laursen's absence, Mark Delaney will continue to partner Olof Mellberg, at least until the return to fitness of Liam Ridgewell. The 20-year-old has also been sidelined with knee problems and is expected to return to fitness in a month.