Aston Villa boss Steve Bruce admits to huge injury blow

Aston Villa manager Steve Bruce has admitted that his club are likely to be without striker Jonathan Kodjia for the remainder of the season.

The 28-year-old has been out of action since November after he underwent surgery for the second time in several months on a broken ankle.

Kodjia was the Villains top scorer from last season with 19 goals and his loss for the rest of the season will surely be a big blow to the club as they aim to challenge for promotion to the Premier League.

Speaking after Villa’s 1-0 win against Nottingham Forest on Saturday, Bruce admitted that Kodjia’s chances of playing again this season are slim.

“It’s probably best to forget it. It doesn’t look likely,” said the Villa boss.

Villa can take heart from the fact that Scott Hogan’s form is improving. The forward struck his second goal in as many games to help Villa defeat Forest.