Aston Villa striker Libor Kozak has suffered a fresh injury blow.
Kozak broke his leg in January.
Manager Paul Lambert revealed the Czech Republic international, bought for £7million from Lazio last summer, had needed a further operation this Wednesday on his fracture to insert a supporting pin.
Kozak, 25, scored four goals in eight starts for Villa before his injury.
"I haven't spoke to the doctor about the length that he will be out but it's going to be a while," said Lambert.
"It's a nightmare. I spoke to him about his injury and he felt a bit down which is understandable because he's worked so hard to get back.
"He wasn't too far away from being back. He was running and doing everything. It's a blow for him and blow for us. It's just not healed the way we thought.
"When he came his goal ratio was very good. He's a handful. He's just been unfortunate that he's suffered that setback."
