England striker Darren Bent looks set to miss out on Euro 2012 after suffering ruptured ankle ligaments, his club, Aston Villa, says.

Bent was injured while playing for Villa in Saturday’s 0-0 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.

Villa said in a statement: “Darren Bent has undergone scans and he has seen a top ankle specialist (on Monday) 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.”

The statement added: “… the Villa medical staff have been liaising with the England medical team about the extent of his injury.

“Darren will undergo a further examination in seven days to determine the need for an operation.”

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.