Aston Villa could be set for a nervous 24 hours as they await to see just how bad defender James Chester's injury is.

The Villa defender limped off during Wales' 2-1 defeat against Denmark last night, and now the Villans and manager Dean Smith must wait and see if the impressive centre back will face a lengthy layoff or if he was simply withdrawn as a precaution.

As reported by Alan Nixon on Twitter, the loss of Chester to injury could prove to be bad news for Villa, who have just started getting into their stride following their demolition job of Derby County last weekend.

Chester has played a key role in the recent upturn, and his new manager Smith will be keen to ensure the Welsh international remains a key part of his plans going forward.

The defender did indeed make his way from the field of his own accord, but that is not always a good indicator, and it will be an anxious wait for the club as they await news of the extent of Chester's injury.

Formerly of West Brom and Hull, Chester has developed into the star man at the back for Villa over the past 12 months, and his fitness is going to be crucial if the club are going to mount any sort of promotion push.

The verdict

This could be a nightmare for Villa if Chester is injured.

He is key at the back, and at the moment, irreplaceable.

If Chester is injured for any length of time, then Dean Smith and the Villa fans will be gutted. It's hard to see them making the playoffs without their Welsh star fully fit.