RIO DE JANEIRO, May 23 (Xinhua) -- Midfielder Paulo Henrique Ganso will undergo surgery on his right knee, forcing him out of Brazil's upcoming friendlies against Denmark, the US, Mexico and Argentina.
The 22-year-old will play for Santos against Argentina's Velez Sarsfield in Thursday's Copa Libertadores quarterfinal second leg before having arthroscopic surgery on Friday, Estadao reported.
It is expected Ganso will be sidelined for 20 to 30 days, meaning he could be fit to play in the Copa Libertadores semifinal second leg on June 21, should Santos qualify.
Ganso reportedly chose to have the operation sooner rather than waiting until after the Copa Libertadores tournament to be fit for the London Olympics.
The procedure will be carried out by Santos doctor Jose Ricardo Pecora, who will remove residue from two previous operations on the knee.