Tyrone Mings sparks retirement fears with Aston Villa fans following a cryptic post in which he insists he 'will share an update today'... as he recovers from a serious ACL injury suffered in their opening game of the season

Aston Villa defender Tyrone Mings has sparked retirement fears with the club's supporters following a cryptic post on social media. 

The England international suffered a season-ending ACL injury during the season opener against Newcastle back in August.  

Mings was taken off on a stretcher and Villa fans are now fearing the worst following a post made on his Instagram account.

He posted a black and white picture of himself sat with his head looking to the ground.

Along with the photo, he wrote: 'Grateful for all your support. I'll share an update with you all later today.'

Aston Villa fans have reacted to the post, and are fearing for the worst. 

@Hiddenvillan wrote: 'If this is a retirement post... this is going to hit the fan base more than the Grealish departure ever did.'

Another fan commented: 'Can't see how it can be good news with that photo.'

Someone else tweeted on X: 'Like that feeling when you knew you were in the proverbial as a kid and a parent says we'll talk about it later. The wait and the want to get it over with.

'If it's the worst news then for it to happen at this point in his career, top form and silverware in reach, beyond cruel.'

Another Villa fan compared Mings to Martin Laursen, who retired at the age of 32 in 2009 because of injuries.

In regards to 30-year-old Mings, the fan wrote: 'Probably another Martin Laursen situation knowing our luck.'

However, there were some fans hopeful that his post was just an update on his injury, rather than having to retire because of it.

@RL3079 wrote: 'People reading into this more than it probably is. It's just an update on his injury, that's all,' while James Howard-White added: 'Mings remains in my thoughts more than most of my family. I hope rehab is going well!'

Mings last took to social media back in August after suffering his serious injury.

He tweeted at the time: 'I don’t even know where to start but to say thank you for all of your messages of support Villa fans. From the day I came here on loan I’ve given everything on the pitch, I’ll now give everything off the pitch to come back even better, whilst supporting the team

'To the players, fans & staff connected to @NUFC I also want to say thank you. The applause, the messages & the medical support I received on the day was really appreciated.'

Mings initially joined Aston Villa on loan from Bournemouth in January 2019.

He made an immediate impact, helping them get promoted to the Premier League after beating Derby in the Championship play-off final.

The move became permanent that summer and he has continued to be a crucial part of Villa's defence, while also making 18 appearances for England in that time.