December return for Downing

It was initially thought Downing would be available in October following his foot injury after completing a £12 million switch from Middlesbrough.

But the England winger said: "The target is early December. If I'm ready before then that's a bonus. If it's after it just needs time to heal."

He added: "The injury is a bit of a strange one. It's not a break but there's a fracture there.

"I've had to have it pinned and that should come out in September. Then it's a case of building it up."

Downing added: "I'm sure I will play before Christmas. The manager wants me 100% right and is prepared to give me extra time to do it."

Downing suffered his setback in a challenge by Villa midfielder Stiliyan Petrov at the tail end of last season.

If Downing's fears are realised, he will miss virtually all of the Europa League group stages - assuming Villa negotiate next month's qualifier.