Alessandro Nesta may play again this season after surgery

AC Milan centre back Alessandro Nesta could play again this season after surgery on a knee injury on Monday showed his problem was not as serious as the Serie A title challengers had feared.

The 33-year-old thought his season could be over but Milan said in a statement that he should be able to "return to athletic activity in 30 days". 

Second-placed Milan moved one point behind leaders Inter Milan following Sunday's 1-0 win over Chievo, where England's David Beckham tore his Achilles tendon and was all but ruled out of June''s World Cup.

The news is better for Nesta given the Italian season ends on May 16 but any recall to the Italy squad for the World Cup in South Africa looks unlikely after the defender recently turned down the chance to come out of international retirement.