The THREE Aston Villa players ruled out of Newcastle United clash - with another a ‘serious doubt’

Aston Villa are missing up to three senior players for the trip to Newcastle United on Sunday - including Ezri Konsa.

The central defender was sent off after receiving two yellow cards during Villa’s 3-3 draw with Leeds United on Wednesday evening.

Konsa’s red card came in the 87th-minute after he stopped Illan Meslier from throwing the ball out to one of his Leeds United teammates.

It is the 24-year-old’s second red card of the Premier League campaign, which will see him miss games against the Magpies and Watford.

Callum Chambers, a January signing from Arsenal, is heavily tipped as the man to step in for Konsa.

A further two Aston Villa players ruled out

As well as Konsa, Bertrand Traore, who scored against Newcastle at Villa Park last season, is a fresh injury concern after picking up a hamstring injury.

The winger had only just returned from the African Cup of Nations with Burkina Faso.

“Unfortunately, we’re going to lose Berto for a few weeks,” Gerrard revealed.

“He’s got a hamstring injury off the back of the Afcon which I’m frustrated about.”

Traore joins Marvelous Nakamba in the treatment room, who is sidelined with a long-term knee injury.

Emi Buendia a ‘serious doubt’

Attacking midfielder Emi Buendia has been tagged as a “serious doubt” after he took a blow to the hip during the draw with Leeds.

“Emi’s slightly different because he has had some contact, he had a big whack in his hip area which is really sore.

“He’s certainly a big doubt right now, but we’re hoping with some treatment and some good recovery days that maybe he’s got an outside chance.

“At the moment, he’s a serious doubt.”

Philippe Coutinho ‘fine’, Leon Bailey set for return

Some good news for Villa - and perhaps bad for Newcastle - is Philippe Coutinho is expected to feature despite suffering with cramp in midweek.

Gerrard explained: “Phil Coutinho’s fine. He got a bit of cramp in a few different areas, and he tired a lot – he gave a lot to the game.

“In terms of being available for Newcastle, I’m sure he’ll be fine with a couple of recovery days.”

Meanwhile, Leon Bailey could take up a position on the Villa bench after recovering from a thigh problem that has kept him out since December.