Sidwell has made six appearances for Villa this season

Aston Villa midfielder Steve Sidwell is set to miss the next six weeks of the season with an Achilles tendon injury.

The 27-year-old had postponed an operation to help Villa through an injury crisis, but will now have surgery in a bid to get it fixed.

"Steve's Achilles tendon flared up so the best thing is to do it as soon as possible," said boss Gerard Houllier.

Meanwhile, fellow midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker may be back in training in two weeks after suffering a knee injury.

Reo-Coker picked up the problem in Saturday's 1-1 draw with Fulham and it was feared the club's stand-in captain may have torn ligaments.

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But Houller stated: "Nigel is not as bad as we thought. He could be back in training in two to three weeks.

"We thought it was a tear but it is just slight damage to the medial ligament. That is good news."

Houllier revealed that Villa are currently in contract talks with Reo-Coker, whose deal expires in the summer.

The player is reported to want an increase from £30,000 to £50,000-a-week to remain at Villa Park and the former Liverpool boss is keen to retain his services.

"Am I confident a compromise can be reached? Yes, between the two figures mentioned. That's a compromise," Houllier said.

"I want to keep Nigel and they [Reo-Coker and his representatives] know that. He was my captain."

Villa, who are 14th in the Premier League, face Blackpool at home on Wednesday before entertaining Manchester United three days later.

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