Roma defender Nicolas Burdisso faces seven months out after undergoing surgery on a knee ligament injury.
The Argentine international was stretchered off in their 2-1 World Cup qualifying victory over Colombia last week.
The surgery was deemed to be a success and the experienced centre-back may yet feature again for club and country before the end of the season.
"The surgery went very well and we are satisfied," said surgeon Giuliano Cerulli, who performed the operation.
"The recovery period in these cases is between six and seven months but given Burdisso'stemperament and desire he could also be quicker."
Burdisso has featured 10 times for the Italian side this campaign.
