Aston Villa manager Alex McLeish has decided to recall Gary Gardner from a loan spell with Coventry City.
The Championship side had hoped to extend the midfielder's stay at the Ricoh Arena after the Christmas period.
However, Villa have sustained a number of injuries recently and McLeish is in need of Gardner's services.
"It's very disappointing for us but I must admit I was expecting it," said Coventry boss Andy Thorn. "Alex has had a dreadful run of injuries and he obviously has to put his own club first.
"We're very grateful that he allowed Gary to come here and I would love to think that Villa's problems will clear up over Christmas and Alex will decide that he can spare him again some time in the future."
The 19-year-old joined the Sky Blues in late November.
