Dunne suffered the setback during Villa`s 3-0 defeat against Manchester City in the FA Cup on Wednesday.
Villa boss Gerard Houllier confirmed: "Unfortunately, we`re going to lose Richard Dune for three to four weeks with a shoulder problem. The good thing is, we haven`t got many games during that period."
Dunne's setback could plunge Villa into a defensive crisis for Saturday's Barclays Premier League clash at Bolton.
Fellow centre-backs James Collins (calf) and Carlos Cuellar (hamstring) missed the defeat at Eastlands.
As things stand, Ciaran Clark is the only fit experienced central defender although youngster Nathan Baker can fill the role.
Source: PA
Source: PA