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Aston Villa news: Steve Bruce tells fans to 'forget' Jonathan Kodjia
ASTON VILLA boss Steve Bruce does not expect Jonathan Kodjia to return to action this season.
Aston Villa striker Jonathan Kodjia is set to miss the rest of the season
Striker Kodjia, 28, has not featured since the end of October after suffering another serious ankle injury while on international duty with Ivory Coast.
“It’s probably best if we forget it,” Bruce said. “I can’t see it (him playing again this season).”
Scott Hogan has been tasked with leading the line in Kodjia’s absence and he bagged his second goal in as many games with the winner against Nottingham Forest yesterday.
Discussing the striker’s return to form, Bruce said: “All of a sudden he looks a very good player again and that’s good to see.”
Aston Villa news: Manchester United transfer snub leaving Steve Bruce anxious over deal
Jonathan Kodjia has been absent since late October
It’s probably best if we forget it
Bruce has injury concerns in midfield after Mile Jedinak missed the trip to the City Ground while Glenn Whelan limped off at half-time.
“He hurt his knee in the challenge just before half-time, in the blocked challenge,” the Villa boss said. “For him to come off it must be sore.
“I’ve got no problems with Glenn Whelan.
“As I’ve said many times, you don’t play in the Premier League, averaging 30 games every season.
“His experience and knowhow will be important.”
Aston Villa boss Steve Bruce has a number of injury concerns
Discussing Jedinak’s absence, Bruce said: “He hurt his thigh and really only trained on Tuesday.
“He’s also been sick so he wasn’t right.
“With a thigh injury, you can’t take any risk either. He was never in contention.”