Ron Vlaar could be thrown back in for Aston Villa

The 27-year-old centre-back limped out of Villa's goalless draw with Arsenal on November 24 and has not been seen on the pitch since.

But Lambert confirmed the Holland international will be in the included in tomorrow's squad along, provided he comes through training today unscathed, although Darren Bent will miss out with a knee problem.

Lambert said: "Ron trained yesterday and he will do so today so we'll see how he is. We have certainly missed him. He's an experienced player who knows the game.

"He's been out for nearly two months. It has been a big blow to have lost him for so long. Darren Bent's injury is not so bad. It will be about 10 days or so with his knee. Shay Given is out with a hamstring problem."

The Villa boss admitted that he will try to make "one or two" signings before the transfer window closes but indicated he will be forced to operate within a tight budget specified by owner Randy Lerner.

Lambert said: "A lot of it's dictated by finances. I speak to Randy all of the time. I understand the finances of it. The club cannot go into major debt. It's got to watch itself. It's something I will meet head on.

"I have spoken to him. There are one or two lads there that we will try to get. A lot is dictated by finance. We need a bit of strength in the middle of the pitch.

"But prices in January can be so inflated that you can pay through the nose for someone and it's a guy you maybe don't want at the club.

"We have to build this club and not let it go back to what has happened before."

Lambert also revealed he has had sleepless nights recently after a testing period which culminated in Tuesday's humiliating 3-1 defeat to League Two Bradford in the first leg of the Capital One Cup semi-finals.

He said: "You don't sleep. I think any manager will tell you that. It's not been a great two nights put it that way. I love the pressure of it and you have to meet it head on.

"I don't sit there and think it's great. I hurt like everyone else. I'll make mistakes like everyone else and I'll learn. I have a belief that we will go and win games."