AS Monaco FC must do without their Greek international Akis Zikos for at least a month, after it was revealed the midfield player needs surgery to clear up a knee injury.

New procedure needed
Zikos had a major operation on his left knee last season and now requires a further arthroscopic procedure on the joint. A Monaco spokesman said: "Zikos will undergo surgery as soon as possible to clean the area and stabilise the meniscus."

Determined to play
The 29-year-old had been struggling for fitness in recent weeks but was determined to play in Tuesday's UEFA Champions League game against his former club AEK Athens FC. Monaco won the match 4-0, but Zikos will now miss his team's Group C meetings with RC Deportivo La Coruña on 21 October and 5 November. The principality club lead the French league and have won both their Champions League fixtures to date.