ROME, April 29 (Xinhua) -- Inter captain Javier Zanetti will undergo an operaton on his torn Achilles which could keep him out of action for at least six months.
The veteran Nerazzurri man torn the tendon in his left foot with only 17 minutes into Sunday's 1-0 loss at Palermo.
And the club have confirmed that the 39-year-old will go to hospital on Tuesday to have his operation.
Italy team doctor Enrico Castellacci expected the Argentine to be out for at least six months after snapping his Achilles tendon.
"Its' disappointing that such an injury has been sustained by an exemplary athlete," the Azzurri medic said.
"This is a common and serious injury. A tendon snaps because of degenerative issues, so there was probably something happening already and it broke.
"An operation is the only option now.
"How long will he be out for? When you consider the professionalism and desire of Zanetti then he could perhaps be back within six months, but that is really what we are looking at.
"The fact that he is almost 40-years-old could also be a hindrance, but you have to be optimistic given that we are talking about Javier Zanetti."
Former Inter boss Mircea Lucescu sent a message insisting that Zanetti can 'come back' from his injury.
The Shakhtar Donetsk boss, who coached Zanetti at San Siro during the 1998/99 season, claimed that the veteran will play again.
"Zanetti is an extraordinary champion," he said. "A true great. He is not just a great player, but a great man.
"He was the one who helped me more than anyone when I was at Inter. I have no doubt that he can come back from this."
"There is a risk, but I sure hope he can come back," he said.