Bent was forced to withdraw from England's Euro 2012 qualifier with Wales tonight because of the setback.

Villa's £18million record signing is now being assessed by the club's medical staff, and manager Alex McLeish is unsure whether he will be ready to face the Toffees.

McLeish said: "It is touch and go. There is no doubt about that because he is missing the England game.

"We will be working around the clock to try and get him fit for the Everton game.

"But at this moment he is injured and that is a fact. You never know by the weekend.

"We don't think it is too serious and it is not going to keep him out for a while - but hopefully he'll still be available for the weekend."