LONDON, Aug 15 — Aston Villa’s new signing Diego Carlos is facing an extended spell on the sidelines with a ruptured Achilles tendon that will require him to undergo surgery, the Premier League club said today.

Villa signed the 29-year-old defender from LaLiga side Sevilla for a reported fee of £26 million (RM140 million) in the close season transfer window.

"The player sustained the injury during Saturday’s 2-1 victory over Everton,” Villa said in a statement. "The player will require surgery and will then begin his rehabilitation programme.”

The club did not provide a timeline for the Brazilian’s return.

Villa, who are ninth in the Premier League table, travel to face Crystal Palace on August 20. — Reuters