Premier League: Aston Villa captain Ron Vlaar faces up to six weeks on sidelines

Aston Villa captain Ron Vlaar is facing up to six weeks on the sidelines with a knee injury.

Vlaar was forced off with the problem during the first half of Villa’s goalless draw with Crystal Palace on New Year’s Day.

The 29-year-old Netherlands international previously underwent cruciate ligament surgery twice during his time with Feyenoord and has missed several games this season due to a knee problem picked up at the World Cup in the summer.

He (Vlaar) had his scope on Wednesday so maybe it'll be four to six weeks but it's not as bad as it could have been.

Vlaar, who is out of contract at the end of the season, has been linked with Premier League clubs Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool.

However, any January move is likely to be scuppered by the news that the defender is now out of action with yet another knee injury.

Villa manager Paul Lambert said: "He had his scope on Wednesday so maybe it'll be four to six weeks but it's not as bad as it could have been.

"It's the same kind of injury he had at the World Cup, he hurt it and then played in the semi final."

Jores Okore and Ciaran Clark formed a partnership in Vlaar's absence this season when he had a calf injury and Lambert has no issues throwing them back together.

"The two of them have been outstanding. To be fair to the lads we have the fifth best defensive record in the league and they have been a major part of that," he said ahead of Saturday's Premier League trip to Leicester.

"The back four and Guz (Brad Guzan) shows you the cornerstone is pretty strong."