AC Milan have been dealt a nasty blow after it was confirmed the injury casualty against Spain will miss out on virtually the remainder of the season
AC Milan captain Riccardo Montolivo will be out of action for up to six months after successfully undergoing surgery on an injury to his anterior cruciate ligament.
The 31-year-old was carried off on a stretcher after half an hour of the 1-1 World Cup qualification draw between Italy and Spain on Thursday with the knock to his left knee.
Milan confirmed on Friday that Montolivo was due to go under the knife, with the midfielder now set to be sidelined for five to six months as a result.
"Milan announce that Riccardo Montolivo underwent medical surgery Saturday morning for the reconstruction of his left knee anterior cruciate ligament," a club statement reads.
"The surgeon Professor Doctor Herbert Schoenhuber is satisfied with the result of the surgery. The recovery time will be five to six months, unless complications arise."
The midfielder had played in all seven of his side's Serie A matches this season prior to earning a call-up to Giampiero Ventura's squad for the World Cup qualifiers this month.
