Milan defender Zapata facing ankle surgery
AC Milan have suffered a blow with the news Cristian Zapata needs surgery on his ankle.
![](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/stb7S3g9kNgsezRjd9yLm6.jpg)
Cristian Zapata is set for surgery on an ankle injury he suffered during the Copa America.
The AC Milan defender played in all five of Colombia's games at the Copa America Centenario last month as they reached the semi-finals before being knocked out by Chile.
In a statement, the Serie A side said: "AC Milan announces that, in the course of the Copa America, Cristian Zapata suffered a lesion to the capsular ligament in his left ankle.
"After a consultation with professor Niek van Dijk in Amsterdam, the player will have to undergo surgery in the coming days."
Zapata signed for Milan on a permanent basis in 2013 after initially joining on a season-long loan from Villarreal.
The centre-back made 21 appearances last season, scoring one goal.
Get FourFourTwo Newsletter
The best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.
![Ruben Amorim has plenty of transfer decisions to make this summer](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/r6KdxiYocfLrDK8ti5nD9E-840-80.jpg)
Manchester United report: Antony's future has already been decided after new comments from CEO
![Arne Slot head coach of Liverpool during the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Manchester City FC at Anfield on December 01, 2024 in Liverpool, England.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/3xTbkGtr7hRGpxxB4hofcg-840-80.jpg)
‘Slot hasn’t come in and changed everything, making it all about himself – it’s been about the players he’s inherited, getting the best out of a system he likes’: Liverpool manager impressing former players with personality and tactical approach