Aston Villa boss Steve Bruce has worked hard this summer to improve his squad on a limited budget, with the former Manchester United centre-half being forced to sell before he could buy.

Sales of Premier League era players provided Bruce with room to maneuver, and a number of quality acquisitions this summer has seen the squad improved upon the one that ended the last campaign.

The loan market and free agency has proven particularly useful for the cash-strapped boss, with John Terry and Chris Samba joining on free deals at the back, and Josh Onomah and Robert Snodgrass just two of the men to come in on leases from Premier League sides.

Cut price deals for Ahmed Elmohamady and Glenn Whelan have proven shrewd additions, but after what can only be described as an extremely disappoiting start to the new season, it appears that there is something still missing for the West Midlands side.

That missing link is, without a doubt, Jonathan Kodjia, who is slowly returning to full fitness following an ankle break in the latter stages of the previous campaign.

The prolific striker is the focal point of this Villa side, and his goals are proving to be extremely difficult to replace.

Big money signing Scott Hogan is yet to really find his feet at Villa Park, and youngsters including Andre Green can only contribute so much at this early stage of his career.

The return of Kodjia will mark the turning point in Villa’s season, and when the Ivorian is back to full fitness, the club will rise up the table.

Kodjia almost broke the 20-goal barrier last year, but can certainly surpass this this year, despite the fact that injury has ruled him out of Villa’s opening run-in.

Getting Kodjia fit must be the top priority for Bruce’s men, as with him back in the starting XI, this team has the potential to become unstoppable.

How important is Kodjia to your promotion push, Villa fans?