Paul Lambert says Richard Dunne won't play for Aston Villa this season and admits he could leave when his contract expires this summer.

The Republic of Ireland international hasn't featured for Villa during the current campaign due to a serious groin injury sustained while on international duty at Euro 2012.

Lambert had hoped he would have the 33-year-old back for the run-in to the season but Dunne has now been ruled out for the remaining five matches.

The Villa boss has hinted Dunne's time at Villa Park could well be over as a result, with his current contract due to expire this summer.

"It's unlikely because of the injury he's had," said Lambert, when asked if Dunne might play this season.

"He's doing a lot better. It's been an incredible injury, that. Something that I've never come across, and hopefully he feels better now within himself.

"We will just have to wait and see about his own career really."

When asked whether it was too early to make a decision over Dunne's Villa future, Lambert said: "Yes, because he main thing for me and for Richard was for him to get himself back to playing the game of football. At the minute he's doing fine with his rehab, really well."

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