Collins has been training with Villa but remains a free agent.
Dean Smith has been quoted by Birmingham Live as saying that James Collins will continue to train with Aston Villa, but he is currently injured and needs rehabilitation.
The 35-year-old remains a free agent after his contract at West Ham United expired in the summer, failing to find a new club since his release by the Premier League outfit.
Steve Bruce brought the former Wales international to Villa Park to train with the club, taking a look at the ex-Aston Villa centre-back ahead of a potential signing.
Smith stated that he could be tempted to land the free agent on a permanent contract at Aston Villa, but he is yet to partake in training as needs at least a week of rehab.
“James is not fit at the moment so he’s going through his rehab to get himself fit,” Smith said. “We’ll take it from there after that.“He’ll have some rehab for seven to days then he should be ready to go and train with the first-team.
“Everybody knows our lack of centre-backs so I think it is right to keep him around us. It was Steve who brought him in here for the same reason. We’ll keep him around us and see what fitness levels he can get to.
“He’s an out-of-contract player so he’s one we can add to the squad if need be.”
Collins was emotional to leave West Ham after clocking up 214 appearances for the club, leaving Villa back in 2012 to join West Ham. He made 108 appearances during his time at Villa.
Villa desperately need a centre-back, with only Axel Tuanzebe and James Chester giving Smith options. Mile Jedinak can also play at centre-back, but is preferred in midfield.
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