Aston Villa midfielder Birkir Bjarnason will play no part in this weekend’s much-anticipated clash with Birmingham, report the Birmingham Mail.
The two Midlands rivals go head-to-head on Sunday lunchtime, in the latest chapter in a great rivalry.
While Villa manager Dean Smith has been boosted by the news that captain James Chester could be available, Bjarnason has been ruled out after having groin surgery.
The Iceland international took to Instagram to confirm the news, posting a photograph of him in the hospital and saying:
Surgery went well, thanks to Professor Aali Sheen and his team for looking out for me.
I’ll be back stronger than ever.
Henri Lansbury or Anwar El Ghazi are fighting to replace Bjarnason in the middle of the park.
Villa and Birmingham lock horns on Sunday level on points, sitting in 11th and 12 place in the Championship, respectively.
Smith’s side, in particular, are hoping for a promotion push as the festive action approaches, with just four points separating them and the play-off places.
Not having Bjarnason available is a blow, but he has been far from an ever-present this season, appearing just nine times in the league.
