RICCARDO MONTOLIVO faces another spell on the sidelines as the injury-plagued midfielder prepares to undergo knee surgery.
The 31-year-old picked up the injury in the first half of Thursday’s World Cup qualifier against Spain, where they held Italy to a 1-1 draw.
Montolivo had to be stretchered off and there is growing fears the AC Milan captain could be out for up to six months.
He has been blighted with injury problems over the last few years, notably missing out on the 2014 World Cup with a broken leg and Euro 2016 due to a calf problem.
The Rossoneri said in an official club statement: “AC Milan announces that, during last night’s match with the Italian National team, Riccardo Montolivo suffered an injury to his left knee anterior cruciate ligament.
“Due to the extent of the injury, the player needs to undergo surgery.”
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The former Fiorentina star has played a key role for AC Milan this campaign, starting in all seven league games as the Italian club occupy sixth position in Serie A.
His fine form had earned himself a recall to the Azzurri set-up, but after a clash with Real Madrid’s Sergio Ramos left him coming out second best, Montolivo may not don the famous blue shirt again this season.
A late Daniele De Rossi penalty in the 82nd minute levelled up the match after Sevilla’s Vitolo put Spain in front early in the second half.
There would be no revenge for Julen Lopetegui’s side, who were knocked out in the last 16 against Italy in Euro 2016.
Italy kept up their amazing record of not losing a World Cup or European qualifier in ten years.
The last time they lost was back in September 2006 when France beat them 3-1 on route to Euro 2008.
In the 52 games they have gone undefeated, they have won 38 and drew 14 times.
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