Wednesday 1 February 2017 21:16, UK
AC Milan have suffered an injury blow after midfielder Giacomo Bonaventura was ruled out for the rest of the season following surgery on a thigh injury.
The Italy international went under the knife to repair torn thigh muscles and is expected to regain his fitness "within four months".
Bonaventura, who signed a new three-and-a-half-year contract last month, has been a key player this season, scoring five goals in 26 matches, including a vital equaliser against Juventus in the Italian Supercup final win in December.
"AC Milan announces that Giacomo Bonaventura was in Turku, Finland where he was operated on by Professor Sakari Orava, assisted by Milan medical chief Rodolfo Tavana," Milan said on their website.
"Professor Orava has expressed his satisfaction with the outcome."
Bonaventura joins Mattia Di Sciglio on the sidelines after his Italy team-mate suffered ankle ligament damage during the 2-1 defeat to Udinese on Sunday.
Milan were hit by a further injury blow on Wednesday when Luca Antonelli limped out of training with a muscular problem, leaving Leonel Vangioni as their only left-back.
Antonelli is almost certain to miss this weekend's Serie A clash with Sampdoria, while right-back Davide Calabria is also struggling.
Argentine Vangioni has made just two substitute appearances since arriving at the San Siro from River Plate on a free transfer in the summer.
Seven-time European Cup winners Milan have not played in Europe since the 2013/14 campaign and are currently seventh in the Serie A table, 14 points behind leaders and champions Juventus.
