Aston Villa's Mile Jedinak undergoes groin surgery

The 32-year-old managed the problem for much of the second half of last season, at one point missing more than a month of action between mid-January and mid-February.

And after being forced to miss Australia’s Confederations Cup campaign when the injury flared up again during the summer, the former Crystal Palace ace has now had an operation in a bid to resolve the issue once and for all. At this point it is not clear when he will be ready to resume training.

Jedinak was signed from Palace for £4million by Roberto Di Matteo last summer and was among Villa’s standout performers during an otherwise disappointing Championship campaign.

The Sydney-born star was credited by current boss Steve Bruce with bringing experience, leadership and an added resilience to the team, even playing some games in the unfamiliar position of centre-back during a defensive shortage.

Central midfield is nevertheless an area the manager wants to strengthen this season, with Stoke City Glenn Whelan the No.1 target.

Villa have already seen an initial £500,000 offer for the Republic of Ireland international rejected by the Potters but are expected to return with an improved bid later this month.

Other absentees in the Algarve include Jack Grealish, who has been granted a break after being part of the England under-21 squad in the recent European Championships in Poland.

Midfielder Leandro Bacuna is meanwhile away on international duty with Curacao, who are competing in the CONCACAF Gold Cup in the USA.

It is the first time Curacao, who are managed by former Netherlands striker Patrick Kluivert, have qualified for the tournament in their history.