Roma midfielder Kevin Strootman has revealed that he will spend the "next few months" on the sidelines following more knee surgery.
The Netherlands international has been plagued by a cruciate ligament problem ever since he suffered damage in March 2014.
He did make a comeback last term, but the 25-year-old was only able to make seven appearances before he aggravated the original problem.
Now, having seeked advice from numerous sources, it has been decided that Strootman should undergo a further operation in a bid to strengthen the ligament.
"There has been a lot of speculation in the media about my rehabilitation. Unfortunately due to a lack of power in my left leg I cannot compete at the highest level right now," he wrote on Twitter earlier today.
"The last few weeks we have consulted many top professors all over [the world] and they and the medical staff of AS Roma have advised me to reconstruct the existing ACL into another position in order for me to have less problems with my knee in the future and to regain my power again. I will undergo surgery this morning.
"I am hugely disappointed that I cannot contribute to AS Roma and the Dutch National Team for the next few months. But, I will do everything to get back on the pitch as soon as possible."
Strootman joined Roma from PSV Eindhoven two years ago in a deal worth a reported £15m.
Liam Apicella
