Aston Villa have been dealt a serious blow in their battle against relegation with record signing Wesley Moraes poised to miss the rest of the season.
The Brazilian striker was stretchered off after just 27-minutes of Villa's 2-1 win away to Burnley on New Year's Day.
Speaking after the game, Villa manager Dean Smith didn't appear hopeful of a swift return for the €25million man, "We’re not sure what the prognosis as of yet obviously, we will let them have a scan and see from there.
"Wesley felt something following the tackle from Ben Mee.
"Too early to know, but our medical staff are with them now."
Wesley arrived from Club Brugge in the summer, and reports in Belgium suggest he's unlikely to play until next season.
Het Nieuwsblad claim that the 23-year old has suffered a tear to his anterior cruciate ligament and will be out for nine months as a result.
Such an absence would also rule Wesley out of Villa's pre-season preparations.
He's taken his time to settle with the Birmingham club, scoring five Premier League goals in 21 appearances so far this term.
Wesley's injury blow has reportedly led Villa to inquire about the availability of Chelsea striker Michy Batshuayi.
The Belgian striker has been a semi-regular under Frank Lampard at Chelsea following loan moves in recent seasons to Borussia Dortmund, Valencia and Crystal Palace.
Ironically, Batshuayi has found himself in a scrap for a starting berth at Stamford Bridge with Tammy Abraham, who was pivotal in helping Villa gain promotion from the Championship last term.
But it seems Batshuayi will rebuff a potential move to Villa Park as he aims to fight for his place at Chelsea.
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