Aston Villa defender Ron Vlaar has been ruled out of action for up to six weeks with a knee injury.
The 29-year-old, who is out of contract at Villa Park at the end of the season, was forced off during last week's goalless draw against Crystal Palace.
Villans boss Paul Lambert used his pre-match press conference ahead of this weekend's Midlands derby meeting with Leicester City to reveal the blow, claiming that the player will miss "four to six weeks".
Vlaar has been repeatedly linked with a move to Manchester United this month, with one report claiming that the Red Devils were preparing a £1.5m deal for the Dutchman to beat Arsenal and Liverpool to his signature.
