---
title: "Birkir Bjarnason ruled out of Second City derby through injury"
canonical: "https://readastonvilla.com/2018/11/23/birkir-bjarnason-ruled-out-of-second-city-derby-through-injury/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Henry Jackson"
section: "Aston Villa News"
published: "2018-11-23T08:08:29Z"
modified: "2018-11-23T08:08:29Z"
---

# Birkir Bjarnason ruled out of Second City derby through injury

Aston Villa midfielder Birkir Bjarnason will play no part in this weekend’s much-anticipated clash with Birmingham, report the *[Birmingham Mail](https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/confirmed-aston-villa-midfielder-out-15453809)*.

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.

![Clive Brunskill/Getty Images Sport](https://media.readastonvilla.com/readastonvilla/2018/11/984918884.jpg)

The Iceland international took to [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/p/BqfbQ6Zgjme/?utm_source=ig_embed) 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.

![Michael Regan/Getty Images Sport](https://media.readastonvilla.com/readastonvilla/2018/11/941509864.jpg)

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.