Belgium striker Christian Benteke was ruled out of the World Cup after rupturing his Achilles tendon in training with English Premier League team Aston Villa on Thursday. Justin Layne Womens Jersey . Benteke will undergo surgery and "will be out for a minimum of six months," Villa said in a statement. It is a major blow for Belgiums chances in Brazil, with the 23-year Benteke having been battling with Romelu Lukaku to be the teams main striker. "Wishing you all the strength you need," Belgium captain Vincent Kompany said on Twitter, "and I hope you will recover quickly! Were all with you together." Belgium, which has emerged as one of the top teams in Europe in recent years, is well stocked in most departments in its squad but has a dearth of proven, all-out strikers. The powerful Benteke is Villas top scorer in this campaign with 11 goals, although he has struggled to recapture the form that made him one of the Premier Leagues most lethal strikers last season. Fitness permitting, Lukaku and Benteke would have been fierce rivals to start in Belgiums opening Group H game against Algeria on June 17, especially after Lukakus superb season with Everton on loan from Chelsea. Russia and South Korea are the other teams in the group. "Its a terrible blow both for Christian and for the club," Villa manager Paul Lambert said. "He will miss the rest of the season, obviously, and also the World Cup. "But hell work hard because thats what he does and hell come back for us stronger than ever next season." Lukaku has scored six goals in 18 games for Belgium. Heath Miller Womens Jersey . He left in the 4th inning of Saturdays game against the Tigers after experiencing tightness. Reyes and the team still hope that he will be ready for Opening Day in Tampa Bay in one week. Dermontti Dawson Steelers Jersey . - Playing a road game against a division rival raises the intensity for linebacker Clay Matthews. http://www.steelersrookiestore.com/Steelers-Louis-Lipps-Jersey/ .com) - Al Horford collected 19 points and 16 rebounds and the Atlanta Hawks held off a furious rally to beat the Detroit Pistons 106-103 on Friday night in a game between two of the NBAs hottest teams.NEW YORK, N.Y. - Green Bay quarterback Aaron Rodgers, San Francisco wide receiver Anquan Boldin and Carolina linebacker Thomas Davis have been selected as finalists for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award. The winner will be announced during the NFL Honors awards special in Arizona on Jan. 31, the night before the Super Bowl. The award, named after the late Hall of Fame running back, recognizes a players off-field community service as well as his playing excellence. John Stallworth Womens Jersey. . The winner will receive a $50,000 donation in his name to a charity of his choice from the NFL Foundation and Nationwide. The other finalists will receive $10,000 donations in their names. The finalists were chosen from among the 32 team nominees, all of whom receive a $5,000 donation to their charities. ' ' ' c