Aston Villa boss Paul Lambert insists Charles N'Zogbia can still be part of his future plans.
The Frenchman, 27, has not played this season - and has not even been offered a squad number.
But Lambert said: "There's no significance about the squad number, you're looking for something that's not there.
"The lad's hurt his Achilles and we've got to get him back fit. He's doing really well.
"You would think he would play before the end of the season but it's not nice. I think his Achilles heel just went and once you get that it's a major injury."
