Villa suffers Bent injury blow

Birmingham, England – Aston Villa striker Darren Bent 0 draw with Wigan on Saturday, sidelining the England international for up to three months.

Bent was hoping to feature for England in Euro 2012 this summer after missing out on the 2006 and 2010 World Cup teams.

But he is now expected to be out until late May, casting serious doubt about his participation in the competition.

Villa said in a statement: "Darren Bent has undergone scans and he has seen a top ankle specialist this afternoon in London. He faces up to 12 weeks on the sidelines having ruptured ankle ligaments in his left foot in the game against Wigan and he is unlikely to play again this season."

Bent leads Villa with nine goals in 22 games this season, but his absence will leave the club short on attack options with Robbie Keane's loan spell coming to an end this past Saturday.