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Aston Villa striker Christian Benteke recovering from Achilles surgery

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Christian Benteke was today set for the next step in his recovery as he went under the knife on his injured Achilles.

The Villa star is in Belgium to repair the damage done when he ruptured his the tendon last week – ruling him out for at least six months and the summer's World Cup.

And boss Paul Lambert confirmed Benteke was having surgery and ready start his rehabilitation.

"Our doctor (Roddy MacDonald) is over in Belgium. He has spoken with the surgeon and it's pretty imminent," he said, ahead of tomorrow's Premier League trip to Crystal Palace.

"Then, after that it's all about the rehabilitation with him."

When it's a long-term injury you have good days, bad days, like everyone else when they are out injured for a long time, but he'll be fine."

Benteke has spent him with his family this week as he gets over the initial shock of being sidelined.

He was expected to be key in Belgium's World Cup bid with Marc Wilmots' side tipped as outsiders to win the tournament.

"It's probably just sinking in now he is going to miss the World Cup, which is a major blow for him," said Lambert.

"But he is in a generation of Belgian players who will qualify for a few more tournaments down the line.

"He is still a young guy in that group, and he will come back totally strong, given the way he is as a guy and his physical aspect.

"Of course, everybody is different as to how they want to progress, and how quick their body heals.

"But looking at Christian and the way he is as a pro he will knuckle down and work really hard to get back.

"I've been told the surgeon is really highly regarded, so as long as the job is done right and everything goes swimmingly then he will be OK."