Christian Benteke has been struck down by a ruptured Achilles tendon.
The 23-year old Aston Villa striker sustained the injury at training on Thursday and is likely to be sidelined for around six months.
That means that Benteke, scorer of 10 Premier League goals this season, will miss the 2014 World Cup with Belgium in what is a massive blow to player, club and country.
"It's a terrible blow both for Christian and for the club," manager Paul Lambert told the club's official website.
"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."
