Ange Postecoglou expects Dejan Kulusevski will be out of action for 'at least' the next few months.
After being forced off in Sunday's Premier League defeat to Crystal Palace with discomfort in his knee, it was confirmed on Wednesday (14 May) that Deki had undergone surgery on his right patella.
It was also confirmed that Dejan would commence an immediate period of recovery and rehabilitation with our medical staff before his return to action.
Asked about the injury to the forward in his pre Aston Villa press conference on Thursday afternoon, Ange has now provided further details on the extent of the injury and how long he understands the Sweden international will be away from the pitch.
"It’s obviously disappointing news," our Head Coach began. "Initially we thought it wasn’t too serious because obviously the medical team were worried about how the knee was structurally, but it seemed pretty good.
"But then it kind of blew up a day after and so we knew there was an issue there. He’s had surgery and it will put him out at least for a few months."
Asked if Deki would be back and available for selection come the start of the 2025/26 season in August, later this year, Ange said, "We’ll see. I’ve only got basic information in terms of recovery but it will certainly put him out for a while."
Asked further about Deki later in the press conference, Ange added: "Yes, gutted for him, Lucas, Madders and Radu, because, all four of those, it's not like - knock on wood, because we've had enough of those - but it's not like a muscle injury or anything. It's just circumstance, stuff that probably happens in every football game, but it doesn't have the damage that it did and unfortunately for them it came at the wrong time of the year.
"I thought there was real growth in Deki this year. We integrated him into a new position which I think he was really getting to grips with and really making an impact, he captained his country and then got hit with a foot injury which set him back. Typical of him, he worked hard at rehab and was really important for us away at Bodo and started looking like he was getting back to himself, which would have been great for us, so for him to get another setback is is disappointing. Mentally, he's a very strong guy and I'm sure he'll use this as a catalyst to come back stronger."