Chris Herd to miss rest of season

Chris Herd hasn't played for Aston Villa since the start of the New Year, when he helped his side to a 2-2 draw against Swansea. It seems that will be Herd's final appearance for the Villa this season. The Aussie has once again aggravated the injury to his right foot, leaving him stuck on the sidelines. The club medical staff will asses the injury to determine whether he needs to undergo surgery.

Prior to January, Herd was a reliable face in the Villa lineup, starting the majority of matches until injury saw him miss most of October. Was it the same injury? It's hard to keep track now. Herd went missing around this time last season with an ankle injury, and there are vague memories of a problem with his back as well.

The injury also means Herd will miss Australia's World Cup qualifier against Oman. Apparently Herd has yet to earn a cap for the Socceroos, as he's had to pull out with injury each time he's been called up. Can we just wrap this guy in a protective bubble or something?

Fortunately the Villa, possibly having anticipated just this sort of occurrence, now have Yacouba Sylla available in midfield. If Paul Lambert would just have a nice little talk with Fabian Delph about how yellow cards aren't "pretty" and it's not "cool" to earn one, midfield availability may not me too much of an issue. Until, of course, the entire back line picks up head injuries and we miss the possibility of sticking Herd in at center back.

Ugh, what a season.