Young had palyed in every Villa league game prior to last weekend

Aston Villa defender Luke Young is set to miss the next three matches with a torn hamstring.

The 31-year-old missed last Saturday's 0-0 draw with Chelsea after suffering the injury in training on Friday.

Scans show the problem is worse than feared and the former England full-back is likely to be out for two weeks.

He will miss Saturday's clash at Sunderland, Wednesday's Carling Cup tie with Burnley and the home match against Birmingham on 31 October.

Villa manager Gerard Houllier said: "The doctor has told me Luke will need at least another two weeks [to recover] because it is a minor tear.

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"It's a blow because it's worse than we initially thought."

The midlands club are still without striker Gabriel Agbonlahor, following surgery on a groin problem.

But fellow striker Emile Heskey and winger Marc Albrighton - who were ruled out of the Chelsea clash with a back injury and sickness respectively - and also defender Richard Dunne (ankle) look like winning their battle to be fit for Saturday.

"Richard has trained normally, Marc returned to training on Monday and Emile is much better and has trained normally," revealed Houllier.

"As for Gabby, I hope at some stage next week he may be able to train. He won't be involved this weekend."

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