AC Milan have announced Andrea Conti has suffered anterior cruciate ligament damage in his left knee and now faces six months out injured.
Conti joined Milan from Serie A rivals Atalanta over the summer in a drawn-out transfer saga and had made a decent start to life at San Siro.
The 23-year-old was closing in on a return from an ankle injury sustained during the international break, only to suffer a serious knee injury in training on Friday.
“Andrea Conti underwent clinical and instrumental tests today, which highlighted a tear in the left, anterior cruciate ligament of his left knee,” a statement read on Milan’s official website.
“The Rossoneri full-back will undergo reconstructive surgery on the ligament tomorrow, which will be carried out by Prof. Schonhuber’s team. His recovery time is estimated to be six months.”
The Italy international endured a hugely impressive campaign for Atalanta last season, playing a direct hand in 13 goals from his right wing-back position (eight goals, five assists) – a league high of all defenders.