Former Aston Villa star 'almost lost thumb in freak accident washing dishes'

Axel Tuanzebe missed a game against West Ham after the ordeal

Former Aston Villa defender Axel Tuanzebe needed surgery to save his thumb after suffering a horrific injury while washing the dishes. The serious wound forced Ipswich's Tuanzebe to miss Saturday’s game against West Ham - where his team were defeated 4-1.

Ipswich boss Kieran McKenna revealed the footballer - who had three separate loan spells with Villa from his first club Manchester United - needed an operation on a hand injury, which is why he was not seen on the pitch over the weekend.

The 26-year-old was reportedly washing the dishes when a glass smashed during the freak kitchen accident. One of the shards of glass slashed Tuanzebe's hand and forced him to seek urgent medical attention.

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Concerns were raised that Tuanzebe could lose his thumb but medics managed to save it, Daily Mail reports. McKenna said: "He's done a hand injury, a very unfortunate accident.

"He's had surgery and will be out for a while. It's not going to be a couple of weeks, probably longer. There are still discussions with the specialists.

"He's naturally a miss with the way he's started the season. He's going to be out for a little while."