Aston Villa fullback Alex Moreno to miss start of new season

Aston Villa fullback Alex Moreno has undergone hamstring surgery.

Villa boss Unai Emery confirmed the operation on Friday, which could mean Moreno missing the start of next season.

"He's going to be out for two to three months. He's going to be back in early August," said the manager.

Moreno arrived in January in a 15m move from Real Betis.

"In an unexpected way, this hamstring injury came to me," said Moreno on Twitter.

"It was bad news since we were in the final stretch of the season and struggling to get in to European competitions.

"I felt pain and a sensation I had never felt before, I knew something was not going well, but thanks to the club staff we were able to operate on Tuesday, everything went well.

"This Sunday I will not be able to be in the last game of the season but I will continue to cheer on the team from the stands at Villa Park. Together we will make it.

"A different summer is here where I will give 200% of myself to come back stronger than ever."