Aston Villa striker Darren Bent has expressed his sadness in discovering that his fellow teammate and captain Stiliyan Petrov has been diagnosed with acute leukaemia.

The Premier League outfit confirmed today that the 32-year-old is seriously ill after undergoing tests from a fever this week.

Bent tweeted: "Really sad news to hear about our captain Stan Petrov. hopefully he'll be back fighting fit soon. Thoughts are with him and his family."

Liverpool full-back Glen Johnson also took to Twitter to lend his thoughts to the married father-of-two.

"Saddening news coming from A.Villa player, Stiliyan Petrov. He has leukaemia. Thoughts & prayers are with him & his family," said Johnson.

Villa confirmed that the Bulgaria international will begin treatment to learn the full extent of the playmaker's illness.