Villa's Philippe Senderos suffers thigh injury

The 29-year-old picked up the problem during Switzerland's 1-0 defeat to Slovenia in Euro 2016 qualifying.

Senderos is now expected to miss Villa's trip to Everton this weekend.

"Philippe has a thigh muscle strain. We'll have to see how it reacts," Swiss team doctor Cuno Wetzel said.

"Normally a player is out of action for some time with a muscle injury of this type."

The news comes amid speculation that Manchester United are putting together a package for Villa skipper Ron Vlaar.

The Netherlands international will become a free agent at the end of the season when his contract with Villa expires – with the 29-year-old having failed to commit his future to the club so far.

Despite Villa manager Paul Lambert being desperate to keep hold of the defender, United are confident that they can land the centre-back in a cut-price deal in the window.

Red Devils boss Louis van Gaal is said to be keen on bringing in another defender to tighten up United's back line after accepting that long-term target, Mats Hummels, will not be sold by Borussia Dortmund in January.

It is claimed that Vlaar would be eager to be reunited with Van Gaal at Old Trafford despite Arsenal also being interested in signing the defender. Vlaar – who joined Villa from Dutch giants Feyenoord in 2012 – enjoyed an impressive World Cup campaign with the Netherlands in Brazil this summer.

Villa, meanwhile, have been linked with a move for unwanted Porto defender Rolando.

The 29-year-old Portuguese international is currently frozen out of the first team after trying to force a move in the summer.

He will be made available in the January transfer window for around £800,000, with his contract up at the end of the season.

Villa, Inter Milan and Albion have all been linked with the defender, although the Baggies currently have four centre-halves on their books.