Bent set to miss rest of season

Aston Villa striker Darren Bent is unlikely to play again this season after rupturing ankle ligaments in his foot.

Bent suffered the injury in Saturday's Barclays Premier League 0-0 draw against against Wigan and the extent of the damage was confirmed after he visited a specialist in London on Monday.

"Thank you to everyone for your messages of support"
- Darren Bent

The club said Bent faced "up to 12 weeks" on the sidelines after hurting his left ankle.

The 28-year-old admitted his disappointment via Twitter on Monday night, writing: "I'm gutted to be out for so long at such a crucial part of the season, hopefully my recovery will be as quick as possible.

He added: "Thank you to everyone for your messages of support."

The news is a double blow for the forward, who now faces a battle to be fit for selection for England in this summer's European Championship in Ukraine and Poland.

His injury also leaves England with a relatively inexperienced forward line in Wednesday's friendly international against the Netherlands at Wembley.

Bent will undergo a further examination in seven days to determine whether he needs an operation.