Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini says skipper Vincent Kompany is on the road to recovery.
The Belgian centre-back was injured in the FA Cup win at Stoke five weeks ago and has since injured his other calf as well.
And the City boss feels the game at Villa Park is likely to come too soon.
He said: "Vinnie is getting better. We hope we can recover him for the next game on Monday but it is difficult. He did not train with the team."