LORENZO Amoruso is unlikely to play again before the New Year.

The summer signing has undergone knee surgery and is embarking on a programme of recovery.

He underwent an initial exploratory operation yesterday. Surgery revealed a similar problem to the one which sidelined David Thompson last season and is currently keeping Craig Short out of the frame.

Corrective surgery was carried out and Lorenzo could be out of action for up to three months.

The 32 year-year old Italian has struggled with a knee problem and was forced to miss the match at Leeds earlier this month.

Having returned impressively for the UEFA Cup tie, the problem flared again and he was sidelined for Monday's match against Charlton Athletic at Ewood Park.

The injury is yet another blow to manager Graeme Souness, who has seen his defence ripped apart with injuries to Short and loan star Markus Babbel, and Lucas Neill unavailable through illness and suspension.

Andy Todd has been recalled from his loan spell at Burnley and has slotted into the back four.

He is likely to play at Southampton in the Premier League on Saturday, but is cup-tied for the visit of Liverpool in next week's Carling Cup.

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