Former Aston Villa captain Ron Vlaar is set to face four months on the sidelines after undergoing a second knee operation within a year.

The 30-year-old Dutch international, who is currently a free agent after refusing to sign a contract extension with Villa, had surgery on the same knee in January.

"I do not want to have a season like I endured last season," Vlaar said in a blog post. "Wherever I am, I would be unhappy if I was 'in and out' with injuries.

"After a conversation with the surgeon, we agreed that it would be the best solution in the long term if he could operate.

"Instead of two days with crutches, there will now be a four to six week period. Instead of four weeks rehabilitation, it will now take three to four months."