Nesta has arm surgery, could return in time for Serie A start

AC Milan defender Alessandro Nesta has had surgery for a fractured arm and should recover for their opening Serie A home game against Lecce on August 29, the club said on its website (www.acmilan.com).

"Nesta has had surgery on his right arm after fracturing the fourth metacarpal in a friendly match against Juventus in the Tim Trophy, it was a complete success and he should be available for the opening day of the championship," it said.

The 34-year-old former World Cup winner with Italy has been plagued with injuries in the last four years, missing the entire 2008-09 season with a back problem.

He has made 78 appearances for Italy and scored six goals in 181 games for Milan since he joined them from Serie A rivals Lazio in 2002.