Benayoun sidelined for months

(GSM) – Chelsea midfielder Yossi Benayoun will be out of action for several months after picking up an Achilles tendon injury, according to Israeli national team spokesman Gil Levanoni..

Benayoun, who joined the Blues from Liverpool this summer, will definitely miss Israel’s Euro 2012 qualifiers against Croatia and Greece after an MRI scan revealed the extent of his injury.

“He arrived from Chelsea on Tuesday morning complaining of pains, the team doctor sent him for a scan and it revealed a significant tear. He did not train while he was here,” national team spokesman Gil Levanoni said.

The 30-year-old is a vital component in Israel coach Luis Fernandez’s plans and his injury will undoubtedly be a blow for both club and country.

“I arrived with hope of helping the national team but unfortunately this is not a simple injury… an additional test will reveal what needs to be done,” Benayoun said.

The player picked up the injury during Chelsea’s 4-3 League Cup defeat by Newcastle United at Stamford Bridge on September 22.