Aston Villa winger Charles N'Zogbia out for the season

The winger has not progressed as quickly as hoped from a ruptured Achilles.

N'Zogbia, who signed from Wigan for £9.5m in 2011, was injured last June while running on holiday in Florida.

Lambert had hoped to use the Frenchman towards the end of the season, but conceded it is unlikely.

"He's still doing rehab," said Lambert. "It will be a big ask for Charles to come back this season.

"He's not had many games at all and that Achilles heel, everybody knows, is a major issue. Charles' injury is probably worse than Jores Okore's (cruciate ligament)."

Lambert had previously denied N'Zogbia's Villa career was over despite stripping him of the No.10 shirt and handing him No.36. The number has since been taken by Daniel Johnson.

Lambert's stance on Alan Hutton, who has since joined Bolton on loan, also threw N'Zogbia's future into doubt.

He is believed to be on around £60,000-a-week and Lambert admitted defender Hutton, who is on £40,000, was not playing because of financial reasons.