Dunne injury baffles Villa

Aston Villa have confirmed Richard Dunne’s groin injury sustained at Euro 2012 shows no signs of clearing and is baffling their medical team.

It is now highly unlikely the defender will play against Germany in the Republic of Ireland’s World Cup qualifier next month.

Villa manager Paul Lambert said: “He’s had an operation, but it’s still underlying, it’s not clearing up. He’s still struggling with injury which is a bit of a pain, we need to get to the bottom of that.”

It is believed Dunne had targeted the game with Tottenham on October 7 for his return. Even if fit the chances of the former Manchester City player starting were slim.

Ironically, Villa’s central defensive pair are Dutchman Ronald Vlaar and Ciaran Clarke who has so far been ignored by Ireland.