Steven Gerrard makes centre-back transfer claim after Diego Carlos injury, as discussions begin

Steven Gerrard has spoken about Aston Villa potentially landing a new centre-half following Diego Carlos’ injury against Everton.

The defender, who joined Gerrard’s side in a £26million deal from Sevilla earlier this summer, will be out for a lengthy period. After the 2-1 win over Everton, Gerrard admitted to being ‘extremely worried’ about Carlos’ issue.

“We’ll have to wait and see what the outcome is of Diego Carlos’s injury and why he’s gone off the pitch because I’m extremely worried about that situation,” the former Liverpool player said.

“We’re going to send him for an MRI scan but it doesn’t look good right now so that might tarnish how I feel from a personal point of view because I’m extremely happy with the win and the performance but, if we happen to lose someone who’s so important to us, that could tarnish the win.”

It has since emerged Carlos will be out for up to six months as he has ruptured his Achilles tendon.

Aston Villa can still rely on Ezri Konsa, Tyrone Mings, Calum Chambers and Kourtney Hause in the centre of defence.

Gerrard will most likely go with Konsa and Mings as centre-half partners when Villa play Crystal Palace on Saturday.

However, Gerrard doesn’t seem fully convinced on Mings. After all, he has taken the captaincy off the 29-year-old and left him on the bench for the first match of the season.

Steven Gerrard talks new defensive arrival

Ahead of the Palace game, Gerrard was asked if Villa could sign a new central defender, to offset the loss of Carlos.

He says club officials are currently in discussions over a potential signing. However, that is as far as it’s gone.

“It’s something we’re analysing now,” Gerrard said (via Birmingham Mail). “We’re having talks behind the scenes in terms of what we do. I don’t think there’s an urgent need.

“We’ve still got three fully-fit centre-halves that are ready to go. Kortney Hause has also rejoined the group and is back in full training. We’ve got some fantastic young kids that are brewing in the background as well. So there’s no urgent need as in hours or days.

“We’ve got time now from now until the end of the window to decide whether we need to get some more support in that area.”

On the club’s wider transfer search, Gerrard added: “I always try and stay pretty balanced with this answer, whether it’s ins or outs. Because you never know what’s going to happen.

“We’re analysing the central defence situation. Even prior to Diego’s injury I spoke about maybe how we can improve our team, our squad. If the right piece comes up at the right price, we’ll analyse it and see what we can do.”