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Aston Villa face a defensive crisis with Nathan Baker ruled out for the rest of the season.

Baker limped out of Villa's momentous FA Cup semi final victory over Liverpool at Wembley with a knee problem.

Manager Tim Sherwood admitted Baker's injury is too severe for him to play any further part during the run-in.

With Ciaran Clark also out for the season it means Villa have just two fit centre-backs for the dual FA Cup adventure and Premier League survival mission.

Injury prone Ron Vlaar, and Jores Okore, who has also spent time on the sidelines must carry them through on both fronts.

"We've not too big a squad and we've lost Nathan Baker today, Ciaran Clark last week, so we've got two fit centrebacks.

"They did really well today, Jores Okore and Ron Vlaar.

"They're the only two we're going with between now an the end of the season, so we're not blessed in defensive areas.

"It looks like Nathan's season is over. It's a really bad knee injury, and we know how long that normally takes.

"It's disappointing for the lads and for the football club and the fans."