Zimbabwe international midfielder Marvelous Nakamba is set for two months on the sidelines.

The Aston Villa star is dealing with a serious knee injury.

He is set to miss the African Cup of Nations, while he will not be present for his club during the entire Christmas and New Year period.

Manager Steven Gerrard says they will decide whether to go for surgery or other treatment options.

Gerrard said: "We are going to have a serious chat in terms of do we want him to have surgery or do we look to manage the injury conservatively.

"We will make the decision but he is certainly going to be missing for some time. It is a serious injury and we have to make the best decision for him. It will be frustrating because he has been outstanding but we will give him every bit of support and care he needs."