MILAN - AC Milan striker Ronaldo will remain in hospital for a week before beginning his rehabilitation, according to AC Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani.
Ronaldo underwent surgery at the Pitie-Salpetriere in Paris on Thursday after rupturing tendons in his left knee during Wednesday´s 1-1 draw against Livorno.
Although doctors have indicated that the 31-year-old will need between nine and 12 months to recover, Galliani admits he has no idea when the Brazilian star will return to action.
"Ronaldo has a bit of pain but it seems as though the tendon is perhaps in better condition than (the other knee was) after his operation eight years ago," said Galliani.
"I haven´t spoken to him but I have spoken to (AC Milan official) Leonardo.
"I am not a doctor so I cannot predict when he will return. He will remain in hospital for a week, then I don´t know if he will return to Milan or go to Madrid to be with his son."
Several Brazilian clubs have already offered their services to help Ronaldo recover his form.
Flamengo vice-president Kleber Leite said: "We are at Ronaldo´s disposal for anything he needs. We have the national team doctor with us and a great staff ready to help him."
Ronaldo suffered a similar injury to his right knee in 2000 when he was at Internazionale and was only able to return to full action 20 months later.
His absence is a huge blow for the Rossoneri, who had hoped he would sign a contract extension in the summer. The ex-Real Madrid frontman is under contract with the Milan outfit until June 30.
Galliani revealed Milan will be on the lookout for a replacement striker in the summer transfer window.
"I'm not excluding it," Galliani added. "But we will consider this in the summer.
"Our aim now is to reach the fourth position in the standings. Our aim is very clear, to get one more point than Fiorentina in the next 16 remaining games."
Ronaldo´s father has no doubt his son will return to football despite suffering a career-threatening knee injury.
Nelio Nazario da Lima travelled to Paris to see his son in hospital after the AC Milan striker underwent surgery to repair tendons in his left knee on Thursday.
The 31-year-old Brazilian striker sustained the injury in Wednesday´s 1-1 draw against Livorno and is expected to be ruled out for at least nine months.
"For a father it´s always sad to have to see his son in hospital," said Nazario da Lima.
"But Ronaldo is a warrior and will overcome this test. He will return again."
Ronaldo suffered a similar injury in his right knee while at Internazionale eight years ago and was out for 20 months before returning to full fitness.
"My son is used to fighting," Nazario da Lima added. "And I have no doubt that he will return to play."
Ronaldo is under contract with the Rossoneri until June 30.
This campaign has been injury-plagued for the former Real Madrid star and a previous muscle problem had limited him to just six league games for Carlo Ancelotti´s side.
