West Ham United midfielder Kieron Dyer's return has stalled due to illness.

The 29-year-old has been out of action since breaking a leg in August 2007 but was nearing a return to first-team action and played in a behind-closed-doors reserves match last week.

His comeback was shortlived, however.

He had to be substituted at half-time because of a virus, and it means he has no chance of being in the squad for Saturday's Barclays Premier League match at home to Aston Villa.

Two weeks ago, Dyer revealed he was targeting a return over the busy Christmas period - but it now looks as though he will have to wait a little longer.

"He's not ready yet," said West Ham assistant manager Steve Clarke.

"He played his first game last week but had to come off at half-time because he was suffering from the flu.

"That was last Thursday, and today was his first day back at training - so where he was this time last week, he's now further back because he's missed so much training from being ill.

"I spoke to him today, and he's not so chipper because he's recovering from the flu and is a bit down.

"He's been out a long time, and I think any player who's been out a long time starts to feel a little bit down."