The 23-year-old has been sidelined since January 1 with the problem and will now miss Villa's relegation run-in.

"It's pretty disappointing," Herd said. "I was looking forward to playing a part in trying to help us stay in the Premier League. It's pretty gutting.

"These things happen in football and you have to just get on with it, stay positive and work on getting back to fitness."

Herd revealed that he was in line to make a return earlier this month before suffering the setback which has ruled him out for the rest of the campaign, but the defender has backed Paul Lambert's side to avoid the drop this term.

"I was really hoping to be involved against Manchester City the other week but the foot just got sore again and it's a blow which I will just have to deal with," he said.

"I'd love to be out there trying to do my bit for the club. But the boys are showing great fight and have given themselves a huge chance of staying up."