Jonathan Kodjia set to miss opening six games of season

Four days ahead of the Villa’s season opener against Hull City, Aston Villa have provided an update on the fitness of Jonathan Kodjia.

Though the prolific striker is recovering well from the serious ankle injury that he suffered in April, he looks set to miss the opening month of the season, according to the club.

Speaking to the Birmingham Mail, Villa manager Steve Bruce has suggested that the Ivorian might not be fit for another six weeks. He said:

“We think a month to six weeks for Kodjia, but the sooner the better.”

Based on this update, the striker is set to likely miss at least the first six fixtures. If the club’s official timetable is accurate, we could expect to see Kodjia back as soon as September 9th, when Villa host Brentford in the Championship.

With 19 goals last season, Kodjia accounted for 41% of Aston Villa’s goals in all competitions. That said, this is undoubtedly a blow to start the season. In the meantime Steve Bruce, Dr. Xia and the club’s supporters will all be hoping that either Scott Hogan, or dare I say Gabby Agbonlahor, can find the form they have shown in the past.