NILIS SET TO ANNOUNCE RETIREMENT
The Belgian international suffered a horrendous double fracture of his right leg in an innocent looking clash with Ipswich goalkeeper Richard Wright in the Premiership clash at Portman Road.
Nilis made just three appearances for Villa in The Premiership, scoring on his home debut against Chelsea, before suffering the injury.
The 33-year-old ace, who joined Villa in the summer on a free transfer from PSV Eindhoven, has been rehabilitating in his native country but it seems that he will never fully recover to full fitness and he has decided to call it a day.
The player's agent Dick Degraen has admitted that there is news on his condition and it is increasingly likely that he will announce his retirement during the week.
"There is news on Luc's condition, but we will not be saying anything until next week when a statement will be made," said Degraen.
The news will be a big blow to Villa boss John Gregory, who has struggled to find a replacement for Nilis since he picked up the injury.
He has failed to sign a top class striker with the club lacking cover in the forward positions and he has been frustrated in attempts to land Celta Vigo ace Benni McCarthy and a possible move for Colombian Juan Pablo Angle fell through after problems over the payment of the agreed £9.5 million fee.
