---
title: "Villa striker faces lengthy spell on the sidelines"
canonical: "https://readastonvilla.com/2017/11/22/villa-striker-faces-lengthy-spell-sidelines/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Sheldon Muchmore"
section: "Aston Villa News"
published: "2017-11-22T08:12:00Z"
modified: "2017-11-22T08:12:00Z"
---

# Villa striker faces lengthy spell on the sidelines

According to a report in the [Birmingham Mail](https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/aston-villa-boss-steve-bruce-13935756), Aston Villa have received the devastating news that Jonathan Kodjia will need to undergo yet more surgery on his ankle.

The Ivorian international broke his ankle against Blackburn at the end of last season, meaning he was sidelined for a period of five months, and he is now set to miss another chunk of action due to this new ankle injury.

Kodjia has been to see a number of specialists and has been informed that going under the knife is his only viable option.

What will make the matter more frustrating to Bruce is that he aggravated his ankle problem while away on international duty with the Ivory Coast. Arguably, he should never have been selected to go in the first place, after having limped off the pitch during the Second City Derby.

With Hogan and Agbonlahor out for the foreseeable future, Villa are left with just Davis upfront. As a result, Bruce will now have to see if he can reinforce his attack in the January window.

Until then though, he will have to come up with a plan that will ensure that Villa keep scoring the goals that will keep them in the play-off positions.