Inter defender Walter Samuel underwent reconstructive knee surgery today in an operation that lasted almost four hours.

The Argentine was stretchered off in agony during Saturday's 1-1 draw with Brescia after an accidental clash of knees with Andrea Caracciolo left him with damaged ligaments.

“The operation lasted around three and a half hours and was successful in reconstructing the anterior cruciate ligament and the outer compartment of the right knee,” read a statement on the club website.

“The surgery, which was performed by Professor Franco Benazzo's team at the orthopaedic clinic in Pavia, was a very difficult one because of the type of lesion suffered by the Nerazzurri defender, but had no complications.”

It is believed the surgery will keep 32-year-old Samuel out of action for around six months.

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