Real Madrid will be without Gonzalo Higuain for the foreseeable future after it was confirmed the forward needs surgery on his back problem.
A club statement read: "The persistence of pain and of the herniated disc moved experts to advise surgery as the next step.
"This decision has been accepted by the player, his family and the club.
"The conservative treatment has been good for the player's biomechanics.
"The work done till now will allow for an easier surgical procedure, better post-operational results and a shorter rehabilitation period.
"It has been agreed by all the aforementioned parties that a decision will be reached within the next 48 hours regarding the medical centre where the operation will take place and the surgeon who will perform it."
Madrid did not specify a timescale for the likely recovery of Higuain, their top scorer for the past two seasons.
