Any lingering hopes AC Milan may have had of centre-back Alessandro Nesta returning this season were seemingly dashed today, with news that he was to undergo imminent surgery on his back.

The 2006 FIFA World Cup Germany™ winner, sidelined since last July, had been hopeful of making a return after a two-month break in Miami.

The club, who lost to arch-rivals Inter Milan on Sunday, announced that surgery was required after he suffered a further setback in light training last week.

The 32-year-old is to be operated on at a Milan clinic.