The Brazil playmaker, 28, yesterday underwent a successful operation on the meniscus in his left knee in Antwerp, Belgium.

Kaka's first season at the Bernabeu was disrupted by injuries and he is now set to be out until November or December.

A statement on the club's official website www.realmadrid.com: "The operation performed on the left knee of Real Madrid CF's Ricardo Izecson Dos Santos Leite 'Kaka' by Dr Marc Martens at Antwerp's AZ Monica Hospital was a success.

"The arthroscopic surgery confirmed an injury to the left meniscus with minimal inflammation of the cartilage. The player is expected to miss three to four months."

Kaka featured in only 25 of Real's 38 Primera Division matches last term following his £56million move from AC Milan, and he was substituted in 14 of those games.

He followed it up with a disappointing performance in the World Cup as Brazil bowed out at the quarter-final stage to Holland.