Dutch defender Ron Vlaar's attempts to secure a new deal at Aston Villa — or elsewhere — have been hit by knee surgery.
Ron Vlaar is unlikely to be fit until 2016, having undergone surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee.
The Netherlands international's contract at Aston Villa expired last month, with terms on a new deal discussed but yet to be agreed upon after a season hit by injuries that limited the central defender to 23 appearances in all competitions.
It remains to be seen whether Vlaar, 30, will remain at Villa Park, though his immediate future will be taken up by months of rehabilitation.