AC Milan midfielder Gennaro Gattuso is facing a long injury stop after a scan on Tuesday revealed he tore an anterior crociate ligament - one of soccer's most feared injuries - in Sunday's match against Catania.
Despite ripping the tendon in his right knee, the gutsy midfield terrier played on until the end of the match.
The Italy star will travel to Antwerp on Wednesday to see world-famous knee surgeon Marc Martens, who will assess the severity of the injury.
If he requires surgery, Gattuso could be out for as much as six months - effectively ending his season.
The injury could not come at a worse time for Milan who have been struggling to keep up with league leaders Inter Milan's blistering place and face old rivals Juventus on Sunday.
Milan and Juve are in joint second spot with 30 points, six behind Inter which has 36.
