Veteran Juventus captain Giorgio Chiellini underwent successful surgery on a torn knee ligament the club said on Tuesday, saying they expected him back in action in six months.

The eight-time reigning champions have signed 20-year-old Dutch defender Matthijs De Ligt.

The young Dutchman had a poor Serie A debut at the weekend as Juventus conceded three goals in the second half at home to Napoli before escaping with a 4-3 victory. The defensive display suggested that the loss of the 35-year-old Chiellini, who watched from the stands with his knee in a brace, will be a blow.

“This afternoon, Giorgio Chiellini underwent surgery to reconstruct the anterior cruciate ligament of the right knee,” said Juventus, describing the process as perfectly successful.