'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.

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

Another blow to Pearce came as Tottenham defender Kyle Walker also pulled out of the squad with an ankle injury, suffered in the 5-2 defeat by Arsenal on Sunday.

Walker’s Spurs team-mate Scott Parker has, meanwhile, been voted England’s player of the year by fans.

Parker said: ‘It’s a great honour. Just looking at the names on the trophy it’s a real achievement. It’s a proud moment for me.’

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