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Aston Villa news: Steve Bruce could be forced to replace John Terry in January - Boateng
STEVE BRUCE could be forced to source a replacement for John Terry in the January transfer window, George Boateng has claimed.
Aston Villa skipper John Terry is out injured
Aston Villa skipper Terry is expected to miss the rest of 2017 after suffering a broken metatarsal in the 2-1 defeat to Sheffield Wednesday earlier this month.
“I don’t know if he needs replacing depending on if he can be fit after the Christmas period,” former Villa star Boateng said.
“If he can be fit, it’s OK.
“If we have to wait until March then maybe we need to see if we can replace him or find an alternative centre-back on loan.
“Steve is experienced, he’ll know what to do.”
Terry had played every minute for Villa in the Championship before limping off against Wednesday, and Boateng believes he will be a “big miss” for Bruce.
George Boateng believes Aston Villa must finish in the top six
At the moment John Terry’s loss is a big one
“At the moment John Terry’s loss is a big one,” he told the Daily Star.
“Obviously they’ll miss the leadership and he’s a proper defender.
“He’s going to be a big miss, but Villa will have to see how they cope with it.”
Villa have won eight of their last 11 games to climb to fourth in the Championship table.
They are five points off the automatic spots and Boateng believes a play-off finish is the minimum requirement for Villa.
“They’ve had a really good spell and now they are in good position in the league to see if they can come out of the Christmas period in the same position and be in contention to qualify for the play-offs,” he said.
“I think Steve is doing a good job. He know the division better than anybody else. Finishing in the play-offs is a must.
“Villa doesn’t belong there at all. It’s not a club for the Championship, but let’s see.”