The Birmingham Mail's Ashley Preece has confirmed a major injury setback for Aston Villa midfielder Morgan Sanson.

What's the story?

The Frenchman had only recently returned to first-team action following another difficult spell out with injury, and it appears that his appearance against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge could be his last for a little while.

In response to a question from a fan, Preece confirmed: "Out for a month now. Gutted for him."

Villa fans might be fuming

Having spent an entire summer being linked to new midfielders like Pape Sarr from Metz and James Ward-Prowse from Southampton, the failure to sign a new enforcer in the engine room is perhaps the only blot in the copybook when it comes to Villa's business in the transfer window.

Dean Smith was left to rely upon his current options once again, and may have even felt that perhaps the return from injury of Sanson could offset the decision not to spend big on a new central midfielder.

The 27-year-old played just nine times in the Premier League last season following his January arrival from French side Marseille, and would surely have been hoping for a better start to life at Villa Park in his second campaign at the club.

Instead, Sanson is set to be out for yet another month according to Preece, meaning he is likely to miss clashes against the likes of Tottenham, Wolves and Arsenal.

Preece's latest update is sure to have some Villa fans fuming about the fact they put their faith in an injury-prone midfielder who's once again been ruled out of action for them.

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