Bent out of Holland friendly

Darren Bent
12 April 2012

Aston Villa manager Alex McLeish has confirmed Darren Bent is "certain" to miss England's midweek friendly with Holland after injuring his ankle during the goalless draw at Wigan.

Bent landed awkwardly after a challenge from Antolin Alcaraz during the second half at the DW Stadium. He left the stadium in a protective boot and McLeish admitted it did not look good.

"He was in agony in the dressing room," said the Scot. "He is certainly out of the England squad."

Villa medical staff immediately signalled Bent would be unable to continue and after a lengthy stoppage, he was carried off on a stretcher.

The striker himself said he had "rolled" his ankle.

And McLeish expressed fears he could be set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

"Going by his reaction, it seems serious," he said.

"You never know if it settles down in the next 24 to 48 hours before he has a scan but he went over on it badly.

"The pitch was very heavy because of the rugby. It sapped the energy from a lot of players and Darren has been unlucky to go into one of the pieces of turf that has been dug up.

"Normally it is your ligaments that are affected in a situation like that. He has been grimacing and has been a little bit nauseous in the dressing room."

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