Southampton forward Jay Rodriguez has been ruled out for up to six months with a ruptured knee ligament, ending his chances of making England's World Cup squad.

Rodriguez has scored 17 goals for the Saints this season to put him in contention for Roy Hodgson's team in Brazil, but Southampton said Monday the 24-year-old striker ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament in a loss against Manchester City on Saturday.

The club said Rodriguez "will be having a routine operation shortly."

Club director Les Reed said "Jay is naturally disappointed, but is determined to get back playing for Saints as soon as possible.

Southampton is in eighth place in the Premier League with five games to play.