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Ross McCormack suffers suspected torn ACL

By Angus Boyle

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 15: Ross McCormack of City FC reacts after a missed shot on goal during the round 11 A-League match between Sydney FC and Melbourne City FC at Allianz Stadium on December 15, 2017 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 15: Ross McCormack of City FC reacts after a missed shot on goal during the round 11 A-League match between Sydney FC and Melbourne City FC at Allianz Stadium on December 15, 2017 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images) /
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Aston Villa’s injury woes continue. Loaned out striker Ross McCormack suffered a suspected torn anterior cruciate ligament during Melbourne City’s defeat in the A-League on Friday.

McCormack has been playing on loan at Melbourne City as an injury replacement for marquee player Bruno Fornaroli.  McCormack has been looking to regain form in front of goal and work his way back into the Villa side. Unfortunately for McCormack, it appears that his chance of getting back into Steve Bruce’s side has become even less likely. Scans planned on Sunday (AEDT) expected to reveal the worst for the Scottish international.

The striker has played 10 games, and a total of 760 minutes since coming to Melbourne, scoring seven goals.  The weakness from McCormack, that would have disappointed Villa fans watching him in Australia, was his lack of ability to score or create chances from open play.  From the seven goals scored, McCormack has only scored one from open play. Three came from free kicks and the other three resulting from the penalty spot.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – OCTOBER 14: Ross McCormack of the Cityand Rhys Williams of the Victory compete for the ball during the round two A-League match between Melbourne Victory and Melbourne City FC at Etihad Stadium on October 14, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – OCTOBER 14: Ross McCormack of the Cityand Rhys Williams of the Victory compete for the ball during the round two A-League match between Melbourne Victory and Melbourne City FC at Etihad Stadium on October 14, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images) /

Steve Bruce confirmed in November that Jonathan Kodjia would be out for “three or four months at least”.  With Scott Hogan and Gabriel Agbonlahor still working their way back to full fitness, Villa have been relying on teenager Keinan Davis.

Villa’s lack of fit strikers was on full show during their game on Saturday against Derby County, with Bruce having to select a line-up with no designated striker.  Following the 2-0 defeat to Derby, Bruce confirmed in the that Davis had fallen ill.

The injury comes at the worst possible time for Ross McCormack. Bruce could have been looking at bringing him back into the squad for at least for competition amongst the strikers.

It’s been well publicised that Bruce is looking for a new forward in the January transfer window, despite FFP restrictions. This suggests that on top of this new injury, McCormack’s Villa career could be over.

Must Read: Experienced Strikers Linked to Aston Villa

It is unclear what happens next as both Melbourne City and Aston Villa will analyse the diagnosis received after the scans. Whatever happens, Ross McCormack’s career has certainly fallen downwards since his days with Leeds United and Fulham. Villa are likely to try to sell him for what will be a big loss on his £12 million buying price in 2016.

UPDATE: scans have ruled out damage to the ligament but further medical assessments need to take place (as per the Sydney Morning Herald).

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