AC Milan have confirmed that full-back Mattia De Sciglio requires a knee operation to repair meniscus damage.
De Sciglio has been troubled by a persistent knee problem in the early weeks of the campaign, restricting him to just one appearance for Milan so far this season.
The 20-year-old underwent extensive tests on his left knee last weekend which revealed a tear in his meniscus that requires corrective surgery.
Milan have confirmed that the defender will undergo the procedure this week, but refused to put a timeline on his return to first-team action.
The Italian international has become a regular for Milan over the last 12 months, while breaking into Cesare Prandelli's Italy squad to make eight appearances for the Azzurri.