Kaka blow for Madrid
08/06/2010 08:01:11 AM
Real Madrid star Kaka will miss almost half the season after undergoing knee surgery in Belgium.
The Brazilian is expected to be out of action for up to four months after having an operation to repair suspected meniscus damage to his left knee.
"It went well - the typical recovery period is three to four months," said an assistant to surgeon Marc Martens.
The 28-year-old battled a hernia injury for much of last season and was hampered through Brazil's campaign at the World Cup in South Africa.
Although the hernia is said to have improved, a post-World Cup medical at Real's pre-season training camp in Los Angeles revealed the knee problem and Kaka was flown back to Europe for the surgery.
Despite the seriousness of the injury, new Madrid manager Jose Mourinho said his star-studded line-up would be able cover for the Brazilian playmaker.
"If we have to lose him for a while, it won't be a drama - we have other players," Mourinho said.
"But we want him to be at 100 percent so he is happy. He is a player who is much loved by his team-mates - he is one of the best players in the world."
Mourinho has brought in Spaniards Sergio Canales and Pedro Leon, Argentine Angel di Maria and German Sami Khedira to the Bernabeu this season.