Express & Star

Aston Villa dealt Chris Samba injury blow

Villa have been dealt yet another injury blow after defender Chris Samba was ruled out for around a month with a hamstring problem.

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Samba was forced off before the end of last Saturday’s 0-0 draw with Millwall and boss Steve Bruce has confirmed the 33-year-old is not expected back until the New Year.

With John Terry still a few weeks away from being available following a broken metatarsal, the manager will choose between Mile Jedinak and Tommy Elphick to partner James Chester in central defence for Saturday’s Championship game at Derby.

Forward duo Gabriel Agbonlahor and Scott Hogan could both feature after playing a full part in training all week.

Bruce, however, expects to be without both Henri Lansbury and Alan Hutton.

The manager described Lansbury as “sore” after the midfielder made his first start in three months against Millwall.

Hutton, who has started Villa’s previous ten matches, has meanwhile picked up a knock in training.