Aston Villa lose Rachel Daly! Lionesses star hit with FA suspension for 'violent conduct' after shocking elbow on Bristol City opponent

In the 39th minute of the 2-2 draw with the Robins last weekend, Daly appeared to catch Megan Connolly with an elbow as a Villa attack petered out. The incident wasn't seen by the referee at the time but it was caught on camera and the Football Association has since concluded that it was "violent conduct". Daly has admitted the charge and will now be banned for three games as a result.

Daly will miss upcoming games against Tottenham and Liverpool in the Women's Super League, both matches that Villa would see as opportunities to get points on the board to lift them up the table after an underwhelming season so far. The Midlands club finished fifth last year but are currently eighth in the standings, having won just four of their 13 fixtures. The England forward will also miss Wednesday's Continental Cup quarter-final clash with Brighton.

Despite Villa's struggles, Daly has remained among the goals this season. Last year's Golden Boot winner might not be hitting the heights of that goal-per-game campaign but she has found the back of the net a respectable six times already, enough to put her joint-sixth in the scoring charts in the WSL.

Villa boss Carla Ward will now ponder her options in the centre forward role with Daly suspended, with England international Ebony Salmon the obvious replacement. Salmon has only started one game in the league this season since joining the club from the Houston Dash in the NWSL.