Aston Villa captain to miss crucial clash with Newcastle

Aston Villa will likely be without Micah Richards for a third game as the defender is still struggling with a knee problem that has plagued him throughout December thus far. The official club website reported that Richards will remain on the injury table with a 'knee problem'.

Richards, Villa's captain is a strong presence in the Birmingham team who are currently floundering without a heartbeat at the bottom of the English Premier League. A dressing room character as well as a giant on the pitch, Richards has been missed in the Villa starting XI for the past two games. Richards will ideally return for the flood of festive fixtures which will include battles against Sunderland, Norwich and West Ham, which should be games Villa can aim to get points from.

While it may be caution that prevents Richards from making the trip up north to Newcastle, it's still a worry when one of your top performers is out, especially as one as charismatic and passionate as Micah Richards. Joleon Lescott has filled in quite admirably for the former Manchester City man, but Richards return will certainly lift a side searching for their first win since the opening day of the season.