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Gary Gardner is set to miss the start of the Premier League season after criticising the "worst tackle I have ever been on the end of".

Gardner picked up an ankle injury during Aston Villa's friendly win at Swindon Town on Tuesday evening.

The 23-year-old midfielder tweeted his relief that he had not broken his leg at the County Ground.

"I received an outrageous tackle in the game against Swindon on Tuesday, it was the worst tackle I have ever been on the end of," he said.

"Thank God that my legs are so strong that scan results have shown there was no leg break or any bone injury.

"Gutted as I was feeling fit and strong and ready for the new season. But that's football.

"So grateful it's weeks rather than months. My ankle will be fine. See you all soon."

It is the latest setback for the Bodymoor Heath academy graduate, whose path to the Aston Villa first team has been frustrated by a series of injuries.