According to reports in the Birmingham Mail, Aston Villa midfielder Birkir Bjarnason could be ruled out for the rest of the season after picking up a knee injury in the 2-0 win against Rotherham at the weekend.

What’s the story, then?

Well, the Iceland international – who was one of his nation’s stars at last summer’s European Championship finals in France – was reinstated to the starting XI for the trip to Yorkshire after being named on the substitutes’ bench for Villa’s previous two fixtures.

The 28-year-old only moved to the Championship outfit from Swiss side Basel in January, but reports now suggest that he will now be missing for six to eight weeks.

Is it a big blow?

Yes, and no.

Bjarnason has found himself in and out of the team under Steve Bruce so far, and he doesn’t appear to be a key player right now.

However, when he has featured for the first team he has proven his versatility by being utilised in a number of roles, and that is an attribute that is always useful for any team.

Will Villa cope without him?

They should, yes.

Steve Bruce’s men are currently suffering from a bit of an injury crisis after Jack Grealish was also injured at Rotherham, but with the play-offs beyond them and the relegation places seemingly out of sight, the only thing to play for is building momentum for next season.