Juventus striker David Trezeguet had successful knee surgery Tuesday and will be out for some four months, doctors said.
Former France striker Trezeguet, 30, had surgery on both knees.
Doctors fixed a tendon in his right knee - a nagging problem he aggravated in Wednesday's 1-0 Champions League win against Zenit St Petersburg.
They also repaired cartilage damage in the player's left knee.
Trezeguet, who has scored 130 goals in 218 games for Juve since moving from Monaco in 2000, should be back at the disposal of Juve coach Claudio Ranieri at the end of January, the club said.
His absence will make Brazilian Amauri - matchwinner for the second time running at Cagliari Sunday - an almost-certain starter.
Amauri is due to get an Italian passport soon and could link up with club mates Alessandro Del Piero and Vincenzo Iaquinta for the Azzurri - especially if Luca Toni's poor run of form continues.
The ex-Chievo man will be looking for more goals in midweek when Juventus host Catania on Serie A's fourth day of play.
