Valencia head coach Marcelino has confirmed Simone Zaza will need to go under the knife to correct a knee problem picked up on international duty.
Zaza has rediscovered his best form this season and even worked his way back into contention with the Italian national team during the most recent international break.
However, the Valencia striker sustained a knee injury in training with the Azzurri and missed both legs of their play-off defeat to Sweden.
While Zaza is able to play for now, Marcelino has confirmed surgery will be required at one stage in the near future.
“Zaza’s had a partial tear in the external meniscus of his knee for a while,” Football Italia quote Marcelino as saying at his pre-match press conference on Friday.
“Sometimes it’s blocked and he can’t play. He’s okay for now, but at some point he’ll have to undergo surgery. It can’t be cured with rest.”
Valencia have no intention of putting Zaza under the knife just yet as he is fundamental to their title challenge.
Los Che have made an unbeaten start to the season and are currently Barcelona’s closest challengers at the top of La Liga, albeit they are still four points adrift of first.
In fact, only Lionel Messi (12) has scored more La Liga goals this season than Zaza (9).
