The surgeon who operated on Inter Milan captain Javier Zanetti has revealed that the Argentine will be able to play again.

Doctor Francesco Benazzo, who operated on the 39-year-old at a clinic in Pavia to heal his torn Achilles tendon, says that the full-back will be able to play in six months' time.

"The tear in the Achilles tendon has been repaired, reinserting another tendon from his leg," Football Italia quotes him as saying. "The operation lasted for 60-75 minutes, it all went perfectly. I just spoke to his wife now and we all know he is an important player for people all over the world.

"Now Javier will spend three weeks with his foot immobilised, then a second phase in which he will start walking. We expect a period of six months for a full recovery, as shown by recent examples. Have you ever seen captain Zanetti looking shaken? He was relaxed, nothing to worry about. He will remain in the clinic until Thursday, then I'll keep an eye on him at the Appiano Gentile training ground and at his home.

"He will certainly play again. He proved his physique is in great shape, even at his age. There is the risk of losing muscular strength due to the period of immobilisation, but the Inter medical staff have been able to get players in worse condition back on their feet. Yesterday Zanetti arrived at the clinic and said he needed a tyre change. That's the kind of attitude he has."

Zanetti suffered the injury during Inter's 1-0 away defeat to Palermo in Serie A on Sunday.