Key Aston Villa defender set to miss FA Cup final against Arsenal at Wembley
Aston Villa will likely be without Jores Okore at Wembley on Saturday.
By Robert Lintott@7500_Robert May 25, 2015, 10:49pm BST
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Aston Villa managed to ensure Premier League survival this year despite a rash of injuries that continually plagued the team. With the season down to its final match, though, it doesn't seem as if the football gods are ready to take their thumb off of Tim Sherwood's side. Central defender Jores Okore is looking very likely to miss Saturday's FA Cup final against Arsenal at Wembley thanks to fatigue on his surgically repaired right knee.
Okore missed almost all of the 2013-14 season after he ruptured his ACL, but his return this year has bolstered Aston Villa's defense significantly. Aside from Ciaran Clark, he has probably been the club's best defender. But playing nearly a full schedule has apparently put strain on the knee that he had previously injured. According to Sherwood, the club aren't sure what the next step is for Okore. "I'm hoping he doesn't need surgery but I am not sure. It is related to the ACL but the ligaments are still intact."
There is still a slight hope that Okore plays, but it's probably in the best interests of the club to continue to rest him and evaluate as the summer begins. He has already been withdrawn from the Danish side in the U21 European Championship set to be held in the offseason.
The loss of Okore likely means a repeat of Sunday's pairing of Nathan Baker and Ron Vlaar at centre back.
Throughout the FA Cup final week, we're raising money for the Villa Rockets Powerchair Football club. With your help we can reach £5,000 and get them a new powerchair! Read about the club and our effort here, or simply click here to donate and help us reach our goal! And remember, if you donate any amount, you can enter to win a free Fabian Delph t-shirt from The Art of Football!
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