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Swiss star Philippe Senderos has suffered a new blow in his bid to rejoin Aston Villa’s relegation fight after breaking down again in training.

The 30-year-old former Arsenal and Fulham centre back has played only two minutes of Premier League football since October when he suffered a calf injury that was then aggravated while he was away on international duty.

He was passed fit to return to work with Tim Sherwood’s squad this week, only to hit yet another setback.

Villa boss Sherwood said: “He trained with us, but then had to come out of the session because he felt something.

READ MORE:17 fans arrested following disturbances during Villa against West Brom

(Image: Getty)

“I don’t know how serious it is, but anytime you are missing any player it is a setback.

“We’re hoping that it doesn’t mean he is back to square one,

and that it is just a niggle - but normally when you have been out for that period of time you get referred injuries somewhere else. I am hoping it is not too bad.”

Senderos, who signed a two-year contract last summer on a free transfer from Valencia, made an immediate impact as Villa took ten points from the first four games of the season and conceded only one goal.

In pictures - Villa fans invade pitch during West Brom FA Cup win

And new boss Sherwood would love to have his experience available for the last ten games of the season as he fights to keep Villa in the top flight.

Fellow defender Nathan Baker could be available for Saturday’s vital trip to Sunderland. Sherwood added: “It will be good to see him available because he’s another home-grown guy and these kids do care about the club.

“When you cut them in half it is a good job they have claret shirts on because the bleed the colour of the club!”