Premier League: Aston Villa striker Libor Kozak set to be out until 2015 with latest injury setback

Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert admits the latest setback for striker Libor Kozak, who could now be out until the New Year, is a nightmare.

The Czech Republic international was on the road to recovery after breaking his leg, though, the recurrence of a long-term injury could see him out until the turn of the year.

Kozak has already spent eight months on the sidelines and is unlikely to feature again for Villa in 2014, although the return of Belgian marksman Christian Benteke, who could feature in their Saturday Night Football clash with champions Manchester City, does provide some relief for Lambert.

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"It's a nightmare," he told the Birmingham Mail. "The medics had to go back into his leg and put a little pin in it.

"I haven’t spoken to the doctor about the length of time that he will be out but it’s going to be a while.

"It’s a setback for him."

Despite their injury woes, Villa are currently sixth in the Premier League standings - level on points with Arsenal and Swansea City - and Lambert believes their strong start to the season deserves all the more credit given their striking deficiencies.

Double blow

"It wasn't just that, though, losing Benteke as well, you've lost two strikers, your No 9s that are out, so that was the problem," he added.

It wasn’t just that, though, losing Benteke as well, you’ve lost two strikers, your No 9s that are out, so that was the problem.

"The start we’ve made has been really good but we've done it without a No 9. Now Benteke is coming back, we are getting there."

In January, Kozak broke his leg at the club’s Bodymoor Heath training ground and Lambert believes his latest setback is cruel blow with the 25-year-old on the verge of making his comeback.

"I spoke to him about his injury and he felt a bit down which is understandable because he’d worked so hard to get back," Lambert said.

"He wasn’t too far away. He was running and doing everything. It’s a blow for him and blow for us.

"When he came here, his goal ratio was very good. He’s just been unfortunate that he’s suffered this setback."