McLeish has been aware since taking charge of Villa that the general policy is for him to sell before he can buy this January, although there may be some leeway for new blood after Jenas's setback.

Jenas has returned to Tottenham following surgery to his Achilles after making just one start, against Manchester United, for Villa, who will continue to pay his wages.

McLeish said: "We've lost a player and that is it. We have to get on with it and we'll see what we can do in January.

"If there are going to be additions then we need to trade carefully.

"I spoke to (club owner) Randy Lerner briefly and also to Paul Faulkner (chief executive) so the stance is the same in the summer.

"We have to trade before we can bring new faces in, but that's not to say we definitely won't do something if no-one goes out the door so there are still possibilities."

McLeish is not expecting any sympathy from the footballing authorities for having only one possible loan signing available to him in January, with Jenas counting as the other even though he is injured.

He said: "We can only bring one more loan player in because Jermaine still counts as a loan even though he is injured, which is a bit of a blow.

"Should there be a change in the rules for injured loanees? That's only me being selfish today. The FA would probably throw a custard pie in my face and give me a valid reason why they can't do that.

"Our own player, Jean Makoun, is at Olympiacos on loan and also currently injured. It's the same."

McLeish is also adamant that Jenas was thoroughly checked by Villa's medical staff before moving from White Hart Lane.

He said: "Jermaine's medical was fine, that's the thing. Jermaine has just been extremely unlucky.

"He has obviously had a devastating setback. It's a big setback for us as well to lose a quality player.

"Jermaine never got started in a Villa jersey so that is a big blow for us. But first and foremost we feel for the player and his well being."