Mexes undergoes successful knee operation

France centre-back Philippe Mexes underwent a successful operation on his torn cruciate knee ligament on Tuesday, Ansa news agency reported.

The operation lasted about half an hour and was said to have been "perfectly successful" with the 29-year-old due to remain in hospital for two to three days.

Roma's Mexes was injured during Sunday's 2-0 defeat at home to Juventus and is expected to be out for four months, meaning he will not play again this season.

He may, however, have played his last game for Roma as his contract will expire in June and he is rumoured to be a target for AC Milan.

France coach Laurent Blanc, meanwhile, expressed his dismay at the injury blow to both Mexes and the French team.

"It is with regret that Laurent Blanc learned of the injury to Philippe Mexes. His absence is regrettable for the player himself and the France team," the French Football Federation said in a statement.

"He (Blanc) is being kept informed of his state of health and wishes him a speedy recovery and quick return to the pitch," it added.

France have Euro 2012 qualifiers lined up against Belarus on June 3, Albania on September 2 and Romania four days later.