Steve Bruce says striker Ross McCormack must apologise before he is recalled from the reserves.
The £12million summer signing from Fulham has infuriated Aston Villa boss Bruce with his fitness, form and excuses for missing training.
The final straw was when the striker phoned in earlier this month to blame his absence on faulty electric gates.
Ahead of Tuesday's trip to Brentford, Bruce has told McCormack to forget about a recall unless he says sorry.
Bruce said: “If he apologises, then I’ll look at it and see on merit then.
“I haven’t heard anything. It’s up to Ross to apologise and admit he’s done something wrong.
“He has to apologise to me and the team. If that happens we will get on with it. But until he admits his behaviour was unacceptable then the situation will stay the same.
“The ball is in his court. He’s still with the 23s, I call it the reserves.”
Ahead of the transfer window closing on Tuesday night, Villa will listen to offers for McCormack, who has scored just three goals this term. But there have been few takers as Villa insist on getting their money back for the £50,000-a-week forward.
Bruce admitted: “He could still be here on Wednesday. I’ve had no phone calls for him, so unless that changes in the 24 hours...”
But Bruce has been delighted with new Icelandic midfielder Birkir Bjarnason from Basel, who he has compared to Mirror columnist Robbie Savage, who he managed at Birmingham.
Bruce said: “The Scandinavians’ mentality usually is terrific, and he is typical of that.
“He is typical of what supporters want to see in England. He’s a Robbie Savage... but a better footballer!
“The Iceland boys have got a great work-rate and desire and appetite to play. He epitomises it.
“I didn’t think we had a chance of getting him. The Swiss team, Basel, are top of the league, they play in the Champions League but it just came about.
“The big thing was, could I attract him to the Championship? Luckily the big thing I have got up my sleeve is, we’re Aston Villa.
“I don’t think he would have moved to any other Championship team so we’re delighted to get him. The supporters will love the way he plays.”