AC Milan´s Nesta to undergo back surgery

Any lingering hopes that AC Milan may have entertained of centre-back Alessandro Nesta returning this season appeared dashed Monday with news that he was to undergo imminent surgery on his problem back.

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

The club, who lost to city rivals Inter 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.