The 32-year-old has been out of action since last season with a career-threatening back problem, and a long rehab period in the US obviously turned unsuccessful.

"A.C. Milan announces that Alessandro Nesta will go under the knife tomorrow morning," Milan said in a statement on Monday.

Ever since he was injured, Milan have been suffering rearguard problems without Nesta, who felt his back once again last week.

The Rossoneri were condemned to a crucial 2-1 defeat to league leaders and bitter city-rivals Inter Milan on Sunday.