Blow for Aston Villa as Richard Dunne out until next year
Richard Dunne was today ruled out until the new year as Aston Villa's medical staff attempt to solve the mystery of his injury nightmare.
The experienced Ireland centre-back has not played for Villa this season having undergone two groin operations and, despite a brief return to full training, Dunne has since found himself back on the treatment table.
Villa boss Paul Lambert confirmed the 33-year-old defender will not play until 2013 with the club set to further investigate the problem.
"He went for a test last Saturday and another one on Thursday. We are just trying to cross out what we think it could be," said Lambert. "The answer to the question is we are unsure what the ongoing problem is. It has come from the groin area or hip area and it is frustrating for Richard.
"He is still a long way off. I would say the new year, yes, the way it is going."
Lambert was optimistic Dunne's defensive compatriot Enda Stevens will recover from an ankle injury to face Stoke next week.
Left-back Joe Bennett and winger Charles N'Zogbia are also edging closer to a return to full training after recent knee injuries.
The Villa boss also hailed the impact of his young players after he named the club's youngest-ever side in the Premier League with an average age of just over 23.
"It's great because you know they're going to grow together," he said. "I've got a young team giving me everything and that is the main thing for me."
