Ismael Bennacer has been ruled out of AC Milan’s opening Champions League clash against Liverpool on Tuesday night after undergoing surgery on his right calf.
Milan returned from the international break with a comprehensive 4-0 win against Venezia at San Siro on Saturday - their first victory of the nascent campaign having drawn two and lost one before the pause in domestic action.
But Arne Slot's Liverpool, smarting from a shock reverse at home to Nottingham Forest, will be a whole different proposition.
And the Serie A giants have confirmed they will need to plan without Algeria star Bennacer for up to four months.
"AC Milan can confirm that Ismael Bennacer underwent surgery in Finland this morning," a club statement read.
"The operation on his right calf was performed by Dr Lasse Lempainen. His recovery period is estimated to be four months."
Bennacer has since said in an Instagram post that his surgery was a success.
“Hey there everyone. My calf surgery this morning went well,” he wrote accompanied by a picture of him smiling with a raised thumb from his hospital bed.
“Thank you all for your messages and support that motivate me to come back as soon as possible. I will give everything to come back stronger. See you soon on the field."
Liverpool have named a 23-man travelling party to northern Italy with Federico Chiesa included.
The Italy winger could make his debut for the Reds having not been part of the squad versus Forest.
Liverpool travelling squad: Alisson, Gomez, Endo, Van Dijk, Konate, Diaz, Szoboszlai, Nunez, Mac Allister, Salah, Chiesa, Jones, Gakpo, Jota, Tsimikas, Robertson, Gravenberch, Jaros, Kelleher, Alexander-Arnold, Quansah, Morton, Bradley.