Napoli midfielder Diego Demme had surgery today on a knee ligament injury and is expected to be out for two to three months.
The German international sustained the right knee injury during a pre-season friendly match against Pro Vercelli last week.
It was diagnosed as a lesion to the collateral medial ligament and club medics decided it was best that he undergo an operation to resolve the issue.
It does mean a longer time off the field, which Sky Sport Italia report to be in the region of two to three months.
The official statement notes he will need a period of seven to 10 days of rest and will then begin his rehabilitation.
Napoli will therefore be without Demme until at least October and that could affect their transfer strategy.
Fabian Ruiz and Stanislav Lobotka are now more likely to remain at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona under the tutelage of coach Luciano Spalletti.
The 29-year-old made 35 competitive appearances for the Partenopei during the 2020-21 season, scoring three goals and providing four assists for his teammates.