RIO DE JANEIRO, April 17 (Xinhua) -- Sao Paulo captain Jonathan Calleri will undergo surgery to repair ligament damage to his left knee, the Brazilian Serie A club said on Thursday.

The 31-year-old Argentine striker sustained the injury in the first half of Sao Paulo's 2-2 draw at Botafogo on Wednesday and was immediately replaced by Andre Silva.

"[Jonathan] had an MRI scan and underwent a consultation with a doctor specialized in the area, confirming the need for surgery to correct the injury," read a statement on Sao Paulo's website.

It did not provide further details but local media said the former Boca Juniors player had suffered a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament, an injury that normally requires a recovery period of six to nine months.

Calleri has scored 79 goals and provided 27 assists since joining the club for a second time in 2021 following a spell at Spain's Osasuna.

Sao Paulo's growing injury list also includes Lucas Moura (knee), Luiz Gustavo (blood clot), Oscar (thigh) and Pablo Maia (right ankle). ■