Real Madrid’s Kaká out for up to four months after knee op

Real Madrid playmaker Kaká will be out of action for “three to four months” after undergoing knee surgery in Belgium.

The 28-year-old brought the injury to the Real medical team’s attention during a routine check-up following his return to the Spanish club. Furthers tests then revealed the Brazilian required arthroscopic surgery to repair a meniscus injury.

“The operation performed on the left knee of Real Madrid’s Kaka by Dr. Marc Martens at Antwerp’s AZ Monica Hospital was a success,” read a statement on Real Madrid’s official website.

“The arthroscopic surgery confirmed an injury to the left meniscus with minimal inflammation of the cartilage.

“The player is expected to miss three to four months.”

It will be a big blow to the Brazilian international who would have been eager to impress following the arrival of the new Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho.

The Portuguese coach is vociferous supporter of Kaká following several attempts to lure the 28-year-old to Stamford Bridge during his spell at Chelsea.

But Mourinho insists Real will be able to cope without the former AC Milan star for the start of the new season.

“If we have to lose him for a while, it won’t be a drama – we have other players,” he said. “But we want him to be at 100 per cent so he is happy. He is a player who is much loved by his team-mates – he is one of the best players in the world.”

Kaká joined Real Madrid in a €68 million transfer from AC Milan in June 2009. The former São Paulo star was hampered by injury and struggled to find form in his first season at the Bernabeu, making just 22 appearances in La Liga with a modest return of eight goals.