Villa defender Parker out for 'majority of season'

Parker has twice been called up to the England squad but is yet to earn her first cap

Aston Villa defender Lucy Parker has sustained an ankle injury and will be out for the "majority of the season", says manager Carla Ward.

"It's a massive blow for us, she has been excellent," said Ward.

Parker's absence leaves Ward short of options defensively, with centre-back Dan Turner also suffering an injury against Manchester City in December.

"Turner's was probably a little bit worse than we first thought. We're probably looking at mid-February until she's back," said Ward.

"Again, a massive blow to lose two top centre-halves. It's not ideal but we'll obviously prepare the best way we can moving forward."

Ward said Parker will need surgery on the recurring ankle injury and that it will be a "bonus" to get her back before the end of the season.

Parker has consistently struggled with injury and had already missed six games this season as well as having to withdraw from the England squad for the Nations League fixtures in November.

She replaced injured Arsenal defender Lotte Wubben-Moy in that squad but sustained an injury of her own and missed out.

Parker suffered a similar ordeal a year earlier when she received her maiden call-up to the Lionesses squad for two friendly matches, only for injury to rule her out of contention. She remains uncapped.

With two key defenders sidelined, Ward said it is now "imperative" the club sign a centre-back in the January transfer window.

"It's something we're now actively on the search for and is really important we try to get over the line," Ward said.

"Five players for four positions isn't something we want going into the second half of the season. It's really important we get another defender in this window."

Villa face Everton in the Women's FA Cup fourth round on Saturday.