Sign up NOW for our daily Villa newsletter direct to your inbox Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

Aston Villa hero Jonathan Kodjia is back training less than six weeks after having an operation on his broken ankle.

Last season’s 19-goal top scorer went under the knife in Belgium on May 4 after breaking his ankle during the 1-0 defeat to Blackburn Rovers in April and manager Steve Bruce feared he could be out for up to six months.

“We are devastated, not just for him but for all of us,” said the manager. “The summer plans were always with Kodjia available for next year, considering the year he has had.

“They are telling us it is three to four months, which probably means the best part of six months.

“It is difficult but that is what football is. You suffer injuries and we have been dealt a harsh blow.

“We wish him a speedy recovery.”

But Kodjia appears to be making steady progress and has been fighting his way to fitness with his personal trainer.

The 27-year-old Ivory Coast international’s injury prevented him from becoming Villa’s first player to score 20 league goals in a season since Peter Withe in the 1980-81 First Division title winning campaign.

Kodjia will return next season looking to make up for lost time and fire the claret and blues to the Premier League.

Watch the video at the top of the page to see Villa's talismanic forward being put through his paces.