Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert has admitted that he has a "great dilemma" when centre-back Ron Vlaar returns from injury.

The Dutch international will miss Villa's match at Chelsea on Sunday as he continues to recover from a calf injury, but when he does return, Lambert has revealed that he may have to bide his time on the substitutes' bench.

Lambert told the Birmingham Mail: "When he's fit again it's a great dilemma to have. The three lads at the back at the minute are playing exceptionally well. That is the bottom line.

"It's a decision I'll have to make once I know Ron is available. On and off the pitch, Ron is a top lad and it was unfortunate when we lost him but that's football sometimes.

"You go out and you unearth something else and the lads at the back are playing exceptionally well."

In Vlaar's absence, Lambert has seen Villa move up to 14th place in the Premier League table.