Aston Villa striker Darren Bent's season could be over after suffering ruptured ankle ligaments.
The problem, which was sustained in the Premier League game at Wigan, has a rehabilitation period of three months and that makes the forward a major doubt for England's Euro 2012 squad.
On Monday, Bent underwent an assessment on the injury and the 28-year-old's worst fears were confirmed after he underwent scans in London.
"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," Bent said on his Twitter account.
"And thank you to everyone for your messages of support."
The injury means Bent is unlikely to be available until the end of May, with the Euro finals getting under way just over a week later in Poland and the Ukraine.
With Wayne Rooney suspended for the opening two games of the tournament, Bent was set to play a key role for his country.
The former Sunderland star was desperate to play in a major tournament for the first time after being overlooked for the 2006 and 2010 World Cup squads.
Villa had confirmed the extent of Bent's injury in a statement on their official website, which read: "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.
"Dr Ian McGuinness and the Villa medical staff have been liaising with the England medical team about the extent of his injury."
