Ismael Bennacer has been ruled out of AC Milan’s opening Champions League fixture against Liverpool on Tuesday night after undergoing surgery on his right calf.

Milan returned from the international break with a comprehensive 4-0 victory over Venezia at the San Siro on Saturday – their first win of the fledgling campaign after drawing two and losing one before the domestic action paused.

However, Arne Slot's Liverpool, reeling from a shock defeat at home to Nottingham Forest, will present a significantly different challenge.

The Serie A giants have confirmed that they will need to plan without Algeria star Bennacer for up to four months.

“AC Milan can confirm that Ismael Bennacer underwent surgery in Finland this morning,” a club statement read.

“The operation on his right calf was performed by Dr Lasse Lempainen. His recovery period is estimated to be four months.”

Bennacer has since stated in an Instagram post that his surgery was a success.

“Hello everyone. My calf surgery this morning went well,” he wrote, accompanied by a picture of him smiling with a raised thumb from his hospital bed.

“Thank you all for your messages and support, which motivate me to return as soon as possible. I will give everything to come back stronger. See you soon on the pitch.”

Liverpool have named a 23-man travelling party for their trip to northern Italy, with Federico Chiesa included.

The Italy winger could make his debut for the Reds, having been absent from the squad against Forest.

Liverpool travelling squad: Alisson, Gomez, Endo, Van Dijk, Konaté, Díaz, Szoboszlai, Núñez, Mac Allister, Salah, Chiesa, Jones, Gakpo, Jota, Tsimikas, Robertson, Gravenberch, Jaros, Kelleher, Alexander-Arnold, Quansah, Morton, Bradley.