Aston Villa defender Richard Dunne's return from injury has been delayed after he suffered a setback in his recovery process.

Manager Paul Lambert had hoped to have the Republic of Ireland centre-half back imminently to add some experience to Villa's fragile young defence.

He was even considering naming Dunne in the squad that lost at home to Newcastle United on Tuesday before the 33-year-old aggravated a hip concern.

Dunne has not played since Euro 2012 due to that problem and a previous groin injury and may not feature again until after the upcoming international break.