Aston Villa have confirmed that goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar will miss the remainder of the 2023/24 season after undergoing successful surgery on a hip injury. The Netherlands international was absent from the Villans’ Conti Cup matchday squad against Arsenal, with Anna Leat deputising for the 24-year-old in that game and the more recent clash with Everton.

The goalkeeper signed for Aston Villa at the start of the season, joining on a three-year deal from Eredivisie Vrouwen side FC Twente after impressing for the Netherlands at the EUROs. She has played in 14 of 16 matches in the Barclays Women’s Super League this season, keeping two clean sheets along the way.

Her long-term absence will come as a huge blow for Carla Ward’s side, though the club confirmed on Tuesday that van Domselaar ‘will immediately begin her rehabilitation with the club’s medical staff.’