Martin O’Neill today admitted Villa are one injury away from a central-defensive crisis after revealing James Collins will not be rushed back into action.

Wales international Collins is a major doubt to face Tottenham on Saturday after a setback in his recovery from a groin injury in training last Friday forced him out of last weekend’s 1-1 draw with Burnley.

It was the second successive game the £5m summer signing has missed and, after having a history of groin problems during his days at West Ham, O’Neill insists he won’t be taking any risks.

“I would say at this minute he is probably still a doubt (for Saturday),” said O’Neill. “It is a groin problem.

“He came back last week feeling fine but seemed to have hurt himself towards the end of the training session on Friday, so we have had to keep an eye on him.

“I don’t think it is as bad as when he first did it at West Ham but we are not sure. We will monitor it. If the game had been today or tomorrow he would be struggling.”

With Curtis Davies still recovering from shoulder surgery, youngster Ciaran Clark would be the next option should anything happen to either of his remaining fit centre-halves, Carlos Cuellar and Richard Dunne.

l Nicky Shorey will join Nottingham Forest on a month’s loan from tomorrow. Villa will have a 24-hour recall option on the left-back after 28 days.