Vassell had his worst fears confirmed after being taken to hospital for an X-ray and the likelihood is he will be out of action until the new year.

The player has not been in the most prolific form during the current campaign and has only one Premiership goal this season – against Southampton in August.

But his absence means that Villa manager David O’Leary has only two senior strikers to take him through to the January transfer window in Juan Pablo Angel and on-loan Chelsea player Carlton Cole.

A Villa spokesman said: “Vassell has a fracture of his ankle. He went to hospital for an X-ray which revealed the extent of the damage. He is looking at an extended period of absence.”

O’Leary already has one of the smallest squads in the Premiership at his disposal and last week midfielder Gareth Barry suffered a knee injury which has ruled him out for two months.

The former Leeds boss is now certain to look to bring in a new striker in January and could reactivate his interest in Southampton’s James Beattie whom he tried unsuccessfully to sign in August.

Another option may be to recall Stefan Moore from a loan spell at Millwall.

But an enormous strain will now be placed on Angel and Cole to shoulder the striking responsibility through the next hectic two months.

Angel is still striving for full sharpness after his own knee problem from the summer and he has only started five gams this season.