Real Madrid CF will be without Kaká for three to four months after the attacking midfielder underwent surgery on his left knee.

The 28-year-old travelled to Belgium to seek advice from specialist Dr Marc Martens after experiencing pain during his club's pre-season training camp in the United States. He was diagnosed with a damaged meniscus and although he had a successful operation, Kaká faces a lengthy lay-off and will miss the bulk of Madrid's UEFA Champions League group stage campaign.

Coach José Mourinho said: "Kaká is one of the best players in the world but if we have to lose him for a period it's no drama. We have plenty of other players here." The Brazilian international moved to Madrid from AC Milan for €68m last summer, but persistent groin problems limited the former FIFA World Player of the Year to 33 appearances in all competitions in his first season at the Santiago Bernabéu.