Aston Villa recall goalkeeper Jed Steer from Charlton

The Norwegian international is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines after suffering an Achilles injury in training on Sunday.

That has prompted boss Dean Smith to bring Steer back from his loan with the Addicks and the 26-year-old will now battle new signing Lovre Kalinic for the No.1 jersey.

Croatia international Kalinic, who has joined in a £5.4million switch from Gent, is ineligible for the New Year’s Day visit of QPR.

Steer has made only nine appearances for Villa since joining from Norwich in 2013, though he did play in this season’s opening day win at Hull, before being allowed to join Charlton by former boss Steve Bruce.

He has gone on to make 20 appearances in all competitions for the League One Addicks.

Charlton boss Lee Bowyer said: “I want to thank Jed, he’s been great for us. He’s made a big difference and we’ll miss him. It’s just a shame he couldn’t finish what we’ve started here but Villa have their own reasons why they’ve called him back.

“I rang him yesterday and wished him all the best and thanked him. He’s a good lad and he’s definitely got a bright career in front of him. I had to thank him for his commitment and professionalism.”