Aston Villa defender Tommy Elphick has been dealt a rough deal in his efforts to land a new Villa Park contract after the 31-year-old was ruled out for up to six weeks.

He's got a torn ligament in the base of his foot, picked up in the 4-0 win over Derby County at the weekend, as reported in the Express & Star.

Elphick is out of contract in the summer and had been in decent form for the Villans, having been recalled from his loan spell at Hull City by Dean Smith.

So does Elphick have a future at Villa after this latest setback?

We discuss.....

Jacob Potter

"His future looks bleak.

"Elphick has impressed me since he returned to Villa, but with Leistner potentially coming in, I think he’ll find game time hard to come by.

"Villa could get a decent sum of money for him if they were to sell him, and if Leistner arrives, then surely he’s going to be eyeing a move elsewhere."

Jay Taylor

“I feel sorry for Elphick; he seems the scapegoat for player links and even under Bruce was ousted until Smith came in.

“He could still have a future if he wants to stay and battle for his place, but with a defensive rebuild needed, he could well be a victim of that activity come the summer.”

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Gary Hutchinson

“I hope so.

“He did so well at Hull and is a good, honest pro.

“Maybe his time is up but I’d bet Nigel Adkins would love him at the KCOM.”

Alfie Burns

“His form warrants a new deal.

“Obviously this injury setback isn’t timely and it might hinder him, but he’s done enough to earn another year.

“Smith seems to have taken well to him.”