Bouma dislocates ankle as Friedel joins Aston Villa

Aston Villa's Dutch international defender Wilfred Bouma will miss the start of the Premier League season after dislocating his right ankle in Saturday's Intertoto Cup win over OB Odense of Denmark.

The 30-year-old Bouma sustained his injury the same day as goalkeeper Brad Friedel, who has won 82 caps for the United States, joined Villa from Blackburn Rovers for an undisclosed fee.

Martin O'Neill's side beat Odense 1-0 thanks to a second-half goal from winger Ashley Young, putting them through to the UEFA Cup second qualifying round 3-2 on aggregate, but the manager described Bouma's injury as a major setback.

"It's obviously a serious injury to a player who has been playing exceptionally well," O'Neill told the club's website.

"He had a great season last year and will be missed. The injury is a big blow to us."

Former Liverpool keeper Friedel, 37, put pen to paper on a three-year contract, Villa said on their official website. On Friday, Blackburn signed England keeper Paul Robinson from Tottenham.

Friedel said: "Making this move was a very easy decision and a very difficult decision to make all at the same time.

"I'd been at Blackburn eight years and this was going to be my ninth season. The fans and everyone at the club have been terrific with me.

"In saying that I'm really excited to be here at Aston Villa. Being able to work with these players and Martin O'Neill is exciting for me."