24.09.2015 20:23 h

Verona blow as Toni sidelined after knee surgery

Serie A minnows Verona have suffered a blow after veteran striker Luca Toni was sidelined for up to two months after being forced to undergo knee surgery.

Toni, 38, finished level with Mauro Icardi last season as the top scorer in Italy but suffered injury in a 1-1 draw with Atalanta last week.

In a statement, Verona did not say for how long the 2006 World Cup winner would be unavailable, although Gazzetta dello Sport said the striker could be out for two months.

"Verona announces that, in light of the clinical diagnosis it has been decided to perform surgery on Luca Toni's knee in order to promote stability.

"The procedure went well."

It is a significant blow to Verona, who relied heavily on Toni's goals last season as they finished 12 points clear of the relegation zone.

After five games, Andrea Mandorlini's men sit in 15th place with just three points following three draws and two defeats.

Toni has scored one goal so far this season, from the penalty spot in a 2-2 draw with Torino two weeks ago.