Crystal Palace striker Nicola Ventola has been ruled out for three weeks.
Crystal Palace's difficult start to the new season shows no sign of abating with the news that Nicola Ventola has been ruled out for three weeks.The Internazionale striker, on-loan at Selhurst Park for the season, injured his knee in training on Monday.
Tests have since revealed that the Italian hitman has suffered ligament damage.
''He's got a nasty tear on his medial ligament,'' said Eagles boss Iain Dowie.
''It's one of those things. You have to take it on the chin. We will crack on.''
Dowie is now likely to persevere with Andy Johnson and Sandor Torghelle as his front pairing at Villa Park on Saturday.
Despite midweek scares over the fitness of top goalscorer Johnson and midfielder Aki Riihilahti, Dowie is confident both will be fit to play at the weekend.
