Benayoun facing six-month layoff

CHELSEA midfielder Yossi Benayoun has been ruled out for up to six months due to an achilles injury suffered while on international duty with Israel.

The 30-year-old, who joined the Blues from Liverpool in the summer, will undergo surgery on the injury on Monday, the club have confirmed.

Benayoun ruptured his achilles during an Israel training session last week before returning to the club.