Paul Lambert unsure on Ron Vlaar return

Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert has refused to confirm whether captain Ron Vlaar will be fit to make his injury comeback against Stoke City this weekend.

The Dutch defender has missed the Midlands club's last two matches since limping off with a calf problem at half-time in their 3-2 win at Southampton a fortnight ago.

Villa have lost both games in Vlaar's absence and therefore Lambert will be keen to have the 28-year-old available for their visit to the Potters on Saturday, but is not yet sure whether that will be possible.

He told reporters: "Ron is doing alright at the moment. Whether Stoke is too early for him, I will have to wait and see."

Villa were previously on a five-match unbeaten top-flight streak before Vlaar was sidelined.