Aston Villa striker Agbonhalor set for surgery

Aston Villa striker Gabriel Agbonlahor is to undergo a minor groin operation on Monday and is expected to be out of action for at least two weeks, manager Gerard Houllier confirmed.

The 23-year-old will be unavailable for England’s Euro 2012 qualifier against Montenegro on October 12.

Agbonlahor will miss Villa’s Premier League clash at Tottenham on Saturday, although Houllier is hopeful he will be available for the home clash with Chelsea on October 16 or the trip to Sunderland a week later.

Houllier said: “Gabby will have a minor operation on Monday evening on his groin.

“He had to leave training this morning because it was too painful.

“I think the England squad is given on Monday and that has definitely ruled him out. He wouldn’t be able to play.

“It is not just a niggle, it is real pain and hopefully the operation will heal that.”

Houllier added: “He could be available for the Chelsea game but, if not, definitely for the Sunderland game.”

Agbonlahor has had an injury-hit start to the season after scoring 16 goals during the 2009-2010 campaign.

He missed the opening three matches with a calf problem and now the groin setback has added to his woes.