FC Barcelona defender Gabriel Milito will be out of action for around six months after tests revealed he has suffered knee ligament damage and requires surgery.

The Argentinian international, 27, featured in both legs of the UEFA Champions League semi-final defeat by Manchester United FC, but complained of pain in his right knee at the end of the contest at Old Trafford last Tuesday. He was subsequently left out of Barcelona's 6-0 Spanish league romp over Valencia CF on Sunday and is scheduled to have an operation next week.