AC Milan striker Mario Balotelli has undergone surgery to resolve a groin problem and will be sidelined for four weeks, the club announced on Wednesday.
Balotelli, 25, has been limited to only four appearances since returning to Milan on a season-long loan from Liverpool in the summer.
A Milan statement said: "AC Milan announces that Mario Balotelli underwent surgery in Munich.
"The operation was technically successful and the recovery time is around four weeks, assuming there are no complications."
Former Manchester City striker Balotelli, who had targeted a swift comeback from the operation will return to action in the new year. He has not featured since a 1-0 defeat to Genoa on Sept. 27.
He hit 26 goals in 43 appearances in his first spell at Milan before leaving for Anfield in a £16m transfer last summer.
Milan are sixth in the Serie A table as they look to bounce back from two disappointing seasons that saw them fail to qualify for Europe.
The Rossoneri are seven points adrift of league leaders Fiorentina and city rivals Inter Milan after six wins from 12 games.