Norwich blow as Daniel Ayala ruled out for two months

Norwich defender Daniel Ayala has been ruled out for two months with a knee injury.

The 20-year-old Spaniard, who joined the Barclays Premier League newcomers earlier this month from Liverpool, suffered the injury during the Canaries' 4-0 midweek Carling Cup humbling at home to MK Dons.

The club confirmed the news on their official Twitter feed this morning, posting ahead of tomorrow's game at Chelsea: "Injury blow - Daniel Ayala out for a couple of months with knee injury, Wes Hoolahan being monitored."

Ayala became manager Paul Lambert's eighth summer addition 10 days ago when he arrived from Liverpool for an undisclosed fee on a four-year contract, bolstering a squad which secured successive promotions from npower League One to the Barclays Premier League.

He had joined the Reds from Sevilla in 2007, but found his first-team opportunities limited at Anfield, and last season spent loan spells in the Championship at both Hull and Derby.

Ayala made his debut in last weekend's 1-1 Premier League draw against Stoke at Carrow Road, coming on for Anthony Pilkington midway through the second half.

His absence will come as a blow to Lambert, who rates the player highly.

Speaking to BBC Radio Norfolk earlier this month, he said: "I just think you've got to have a lot of cover throughout the coming games and a long hard season.

"He's a young player and obviously played against us for Hull and Derby and I thought he was strong and aerial as well. He was somebody we thought could benefit the football club."