Fiorentina striker Giuseppe Rossi in World Cup doubt after knee injury scan shows 'some damage to the anterior cruciate ligament'

Rossi has had three previous operations on the same ligament and will have another check-up to discover the full extent of the injury

Guiseppe Rossi has suffered an injury to his cruciate knee ligament (GETTY IMAGES)

Fiorentina forward Giuseppe Rossi's injury is worse than expected after doctors discovered further damage to his right anterior cruciate ligament.

It was thought Rossi could return to action in 6-7 weeks after a medial collateral ligament injury but on Saturday Fiorentina said further tests have discovered "some damage to the anterior cruciate ligament previously operated on."

Rossi, who is from New Jersey, tore his right anterior cruciate ligament during a game for Villarreal against Real Madrid in October 2011 and needed three operations before returning last May with Fiorentina.

The Italy forward is currently in Colorado where he has been examined by Dr. Richard Steadman, who operated on Rossi in April and October 2012.

Fiorentina adds that Rossi "will follow a rehabilitation program for 2-3 weeks before having another check-up."

AP