Aston Villa have confirmed that striker Christian Benteke will miss the rest of the season and the World Cup with Belgium due to an Achilles injury.

Reports emerged this afternoon claiming that the 23-year-old had ruptured his Achilles in training this week.

Now, the Premier League club have announced that Benteke will undergo surgery, which will put him on the sidelines for Villa's remaining seven games and Belgium's World Cup campaign in Brazil.

Manager Paul Lambert told the club's official website: "It's a terrible blow both for Christian and for the club.

"He will miss the rest of the season, obviously, and also the World Cup, but he'll work hard because that's what he does and he'll come back for us stronger than ever next season."

The Midlands outfit are currently eight points above the relegation zone in 12th place.