Palermo striker Abel Hernandez could be sidelined for up to six months after damaging knee ligaments while on international duty with Uruguay.
The 22-year-old forward was hurt in a training-ground clash ahead of Uruguay's World Cup qualifier against Argentina on Friday, with a scan later revealing the severity of the injury.
A statement on the Uruguayan Football Association's official website read: "It was agreed upon request from Palermo's medical department for surgery to be carried out in Italy where his club could also supervise his recovery."
The Serie A outfit issued a statement on palermocalcio.it which read: "Palermo can confirm that Abel Hernandez has suffered damaged to the anterior cruciate ligament on his right knee while training with the Uruguay national team.
"The player will be back in Italy (on Friday) to consult with Professor Pier Paolo Mariani."
Hernandez, who joined Palermo from Penarol in 2009, has played in all seven of the Rosanero's league games this season but is yet to score.
