Veron 'out until May'

Juan Sebastian Veron could be ruled out until May after undergoing surgery on a back problem in Argentina.

Reuters report that the Chelsea midfielder will remain in Buenos Aires for the initial stages of his recovery before returning to London.

Chelsea are said to have confirmed Veron has had an operation, but not the length of time he could be sidelined.

Veron has already been out for two months after returning from international duty in November complaining of back trouble.

Reuters quote the player's father Juan Ramon Veron as saying: "He is okay, thank God. He is in the hands of professionals who are keeping close tabs on him."

Veron has struggled with injury all season following his £15m (€21m) transfer from Manchester United in the summer, restricting him to 11 games for the Blues.