Juventus midfielder Claudio Marchisio has begun his long road to recovery from a serious knee injury after undergoing surgery on Tuesday.
Italy international Marchisio faces a six-month layoff after tearing his anterior cruciate ligament in his side's 4-0 win over Palermo at the weekend and will miss this summer's European Championship.
"Claudio Marchisio this morning underwent reconstructive surgery on the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee," a statement on the club's website read. "The operation, performed by Professor Flavio Quaglia at Turin's Fornaca di Sessant Clinic, was 100 percent successful. The midfielder is expected to return to competitive action in approximately six months' time."
After his operation, Marchisio posted a picture on Instagram saying everything had gone well, as he tried to hide his disappointment.
Appena tornati in camera. Tutto ok,tranne il volto������ Grazie a tutti. Un abbraccione
A photo posted by Claudio Marchisio (@marchisiocla8) on
"Just got back into my room, everything's fine except my expression. Thanks to everybody. A hug," the 30-year-old wrote.
Juve boss Massimiliano Allegri tried to remain upbeat about the injury, saying: "It comes just before the summer and he will be back with the team again in September, if we want to look on the positive side in what is a terrible moment for him. I spoke to Claudio yesterday and he's relaxed about it."
Earlier, Juve's general manager Beppe Marotta branded Marchisio "part of Juventus heritage," telling RAI radio: "It is part of the game and I hope he comes back soon. It's a serious injury affecting a serious professional."
Marchisio has played 23 times in Serie A this season with several minor injuries reducing his number of appearances.