The forward has been out with a hamstring injury which also forced him to miss both the FA Cup semi-final win over Liverpool and last weekend’s narrow loss to Manchester City but has yet to return to training.

Right-back Alan Hutton is back in training after an ankle problem, though, while Philippe Senderos is available after a thigh injury. Defenders Ciaran Clark and Nathan Baker remain out with knee injuries.

Everton midfielder Steven Pienaar will miss the trip to Villa as he sits out a third successive match because of a muscle injury.

Utility player Bryan Ovideo’s season is over after he broke a metatarsal in training, joining midfielder Darron Gibson on the sidelines with a similar problem.

Defender Tony Hibbert is the other long-term absentee.