Antonio Di Natale's knee injury is less serious than first expected, after tests ruled out the need for surgery.
The Udinese forward sustained ligament damage in his left knee while playing for Italy in Saturday's 2-0 World Cup qualifying win away to Montenegro.
Udinese feared their captain would be sidelined for six months, but tests done today in Barcelona ruled out a serious injury.
"The player has minor damage in his anterior cross ligament and a first degree injury in his medial collateral ligament," said a statement from the club.
"Hence, there is no need for reconstructive surgery.
"The player will return to Udine in the next few days to begin the recovery process. The time of recovery will be less than had there been a need for surgery."
Udinese feared their captain would be sidelined for six months, but tests done today in Barcelona ruled out a serious injury.
"The player has minor damage in his anterior cross ligament and a first degree injury in his medial collateral ligament," said a statement from the club.
"Hence, there is no need for reconstructive surgery.
"The player will return to Udine in the next few days to begin the recovery process. The time of recovery will be less than had there been a need for surgery."
Copyright (c) Press Association
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