Lazio defender, Stefan de Vrij, has been ruled out for six months after undergoing knee surgery, the club have confirmed.
The Dutchman was scheduled to return to first-team training for the trip to Sassuolo last month but the club doctors opted to play it safe and plan for surgery to correct the recurring ailment.
De Vrij enjoyed a stellar maiden campaign in the Italian capital and his presence at the heart of defence will be sorely missed.
Surgery was a 'complete success'
“S.S Lazio announces that the athlete Stefan De Vrij underwent microfracture surgery on the lateral condyle and an arthroscopic partial meniscectomy on his left knee this morning at the AZ Monica clinic in Antwerp,” a statement confirmed.
Microfracture surgery involves the creation of miniscule fractures on the underlying bone, which will prompt new cartilage to form.
The club confirmed that the surgery, conducted by Dr Lagae of the Orthopedics and Sports Traumatology department, was a complete success and that the Dutchman should return to first-team action in six months time.
Morrison to be granted start
LaLazioSiamoNoi, meanwhile, believe Ravel Morrison will be handed his first start in Lazio colours as the Italian side travel to Rosenborg in the Uefa Europa League on Thursday.
The England U21 midfielder has hitherto been limited to cameo appearances off the bench, accumulating a mere 53 minutes after impressing in pre-season.
Stefano Pioli previously lamented the midfielder's effort and was troubled by his reluctance to learn the Italian language.