Benayoun resigned to six months out

Yossi Benayoun is set for a six-month lay-off after Chelsea FC announced the Israeli international will undergo surgery on his Achilles.

The 30-year-old midfielder joined the Israel squad last week for two UEFA EURO 2012 qualifiers knowing he had a tear to his tendon, but tests showed it was much bigger than first thought.

Benayoun, a summer signing from Liverpool FC, will have an operation on Monday and will be on crutches for two to three weeks before having a special boot fitted. "This injury comes at the worst possible time for me," said the creative player, only just back from a calf problem. "I hope it will all be OK."

There was some positive news from Stamford Bridge after it was revealed that Salomon Kalou and Alex will return to full training next week following thigh injuries. Jeffrey Bruma, who withdrew from the Netherlands Under-21 squad with a tight hamstring, is expected to train on Thursday. Chelsea visit FC Spartak Moskva in the UEFA Champions League next Tuesday.