Dane Laursen faces lengthy lay-off

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LONDON, England -- Aston Villa defender Martin Laursen is out of Denmark's squad for the friendly against the Czech Republic next week because of a serious knee injury.

Laursen, who was injured in the 4-0 defeat by Chelsea in the League Cup on Wednesday, has suffered medial ligament damage and will probably not play again this year.

"Martin is going to be out for some considerable time, we could be talking 10 weeks or even three months," said Villa manager Martin O'Neill.

"It's a real blow for him, and of course us. Martin has done well this season and he'd worked so hard to get back to full fitness."

The Danish Football Federation (DBU) said earlier that Charlton Athletic forward Dennis Rommedahl was also out of the match against the Czechs on Wednesday after picking up a groin injury in the league win over Manchester City last week.

Denmark coach Morten Olsen has called up West Bromwich Albion defender Martin Albrechtsen to replace Laursen, although he will not cover for Rommedahl.

Albrechtsen has three caps, but has not played for Denmark since 2003.

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