29.01.2015 16:33 h

Strootman facing keyhole surgery: Roma

Dutch midfielder Kevin Strootman's injury-hit season is set to continue after Roma announced Thursday he will undergo keyhole surgery on his troublesome left knee.

Strootman only returned to the Roma fray prior to Christmas having missed the end of last season and the 2014 World Cup due to an anterior cruciate ligament injury in his left knee suffered in March.

Strootman had only played a handful of games for Rudi Garcia's side until having to be replaced just after the half-hour mark of Roma's 1-1 draw away to Fiorentina last weekend.

Strootman returned to Holland to consult with the surgeon who performed his operation last year and Roma said the Dutch international will undergo keyhole surgery to remove a build-up of tissue.

"Yesterday Strootman underwent tests which revealed a mass of fibrous tissue... which can be removed through arthroscopy," said a statement by the club.

"The surgery will be performed in Amsterdam tomorrow (Friday), when it will also be possible to determine the condition of the injury."

Roma did not say for how long Strootman, a reported target for Manchester United, would be sidelined.

Roma sit second in Serie A, seven points behind leaders and champions Juventus ahead of Saturday's visit of Empoli. Juventus are away to Udinese on Sunday.