Aston Villa have been rocked by the news that leading scorer Dion Dublin will be out of action for up to three months after undergoing a neck operation.

Dublin, on target 13 times this season, suffered the injury in a second half collision with Sheffield Wednesday substitute Gerald Sibon during Saturday's Premiership match at Villa Park.

Villa's £5.75 million capture from Coventry City nearly 14 months ago was immediately taken to hospital and has now had surgery.

It is a massive blow for Villa manager John Gregory given the overreliance on Dublin for goals this season - particularly in the Premiership.

Villa physio Jim Walker confirmed: "Dion has had an operation on his neck and we expect him to be discharged from hospital on Wednesday."