Benayoun faces several months out

Yossi Benayoun had made a good start to his Chelsea career (Getty Images)

Chelsea midfielder Yossi Benayoun could face "several months" on the sidelines due to a ruptured Achilles tendon, according to the Israeli football federation.

The 30-year-old had been included in Israel's squad for the upcoming Euro 2012 qualifiers against Croatia and Greece despite not having featured for his club since their Carling Cup defeat to Newcastle on September 22.

However, he underwent an MRI scan after complaining of pain in his ankle and was diagnosed with a torn Achilles tendon.

The federation statement predicted this could lead to a "long absence" of "several months", although the player is waiting to see what the Chelsea medics have to say on his return to England before accepting a long spell out.

"I hope to help the team, but unfortunately this is not a simple injury," Benayoun told his national federation's website, www.football.org.il.

"The team and I will cross our fingers.

"After more tests I will know exactly what the continuing treatment will be."