Aston Villa defender Curtis Davies won't be back in action until the New Year.

The Mirror says the England prospect was hopeful of returning in December after successful shoulder surgery.

But Davies is now scheduled to return to first team action in the New Year.

It leaves boss Martin O'Neill with worries in defence as James Collins has missed Villa's last two games with a groin injury.

And it means a further delay on Davies getting a new deal as he can open negotiations when he has played two more games for the club.