Birmingham, England (My Sportsbook) - Aston Villa defender Wilfred Bouma has suffered a setback in his bid to return from a serious ankle injury which has kept him out of action for 18 months.

Bouma, 31, has been sidelined since dislocating his ankle during an Intertoto Cup game in July 2008.

The Netherlands international had returned to full training in September, but has now been struck down by a fresh injury problem concerning his toe.

"In terms of his old injury, I think Wilfred is pleased that it's coming on very well but he now has a toe injury which has certainly hindered his progress," explained Villa boss Martin O'Neill.

"It's preventing him from doing anything. He is unable to train at the moment. He's stubbed it but it is a wee bit sorer than that.

"It's far from being a long-term injury but, when you think you are well on the road to recovery, every setback seems to be more pronounced."

Meanwhile, O'Neill has also revealed that $20 million summer signing Stewart Downing is close to making his first appearance for the club following his battle with a foot problem.

"He is joining in training although who knows exactly when he will be fit, but it is encouraging anyway. It will be like getting a new player when Stewart is fit," said O'Neill of the former Middlesbrough winger.

"If he can continue the progress he has made and doesn't have any reaction, then I think he is pretty positive about the next few weeks."

(Courtesy of sportbox.tv)