Aston Villa chairman Randy Lerner has released a statement giving the club's support to Stiliyan Petrov after the midfielder was diagnosed with leukaemia.

The Villa captain, who is to start treatment immediately, was informed that he had the disease on Friday afternoon.

"We are completely focused on Stiliyan and his family," said Lerner.

"We also remain conscious that focus is the key for Villa to playing well in tomorrow's game against Chelsea and to finishing the season as strongly as possible.

"Therefore we are relying on the very decent and experienced people in and around the club for support, guidance and leadership."

Petrov is believed to have told Villa officials not to cancel Saturday's match against Roberto do Matteo's side.