I’ll come back stronger, vows injured Kodjia
VILLA striker Jonathan Kodjia has vowed to come back fitter and stronger from his injury blow.
Kodjia could miss the start of next season after breaking his ankle in Saturday’s defeat at Blackburn.
The 19-goal forward was forced off in the second half at Ewood Park and is likely to require surgery.
Villa confirmed Kodjia will now visit a specialist in Europe for further tests.
He was one goal away from being the first Villa player since Peter Withe in 1981 to score 20 league goals in a season.
But he is putting a brave face on the injury and staying positive.
Responding on social media to a fan who wished him a speedy recovery, Kodjia wrote: “Thanks. I will come back stronger and fitter from the experience. There’ll be sun after the rain.”
Kodjia’s absence is a blow Villa could have done without as they try to restore optimism among the claret and blue faithful.
Without him, Villa’s disappointing season would have been a lot more stressful.
It’s no exaggeration to say his goals have kept them safely in mid-table rather than facing a Championship relegation scrap.
To know that Villa will most likely kick off the 2017-18 campaign without him is a headache manager Steve Bruce could do without.
The 27-year-old frontman has been Villa’s most potent threat throughout the season and has scored 42 per cent of their goals.