The England striker Darren Bent looks set to miss out on Euro 2012 after suffering ruptured ankle ligaments.
Bent was injured when playing for Aston Villa in Sunday's nil-all draw against Wigan.
The extent of the problem was confirmed by a leading ankle specialist in London.
The injury means he is unlikely to be available to play again until the end of May, with the Euro finals getting under way just over a week later in Poland and the Ukraine.
With Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney suspended for the opening two games of the tournament, Bent was set to play a key role for his country.
He was desperate to play in a major tournament for the first time after being overlooked for the 2006 and 2010 World Cup squads.
