FLORENCE, Italy (AP) — Fiorentina striker Giuseppe Rossi has damaged ligaments in his right knee, though the injury is not as bad as first thought.

Rossi was thought to have ruptured the cruciate ligament in his right knee for a third time but tests Monday revealed that the American-born forward has a collateral ligament injury.

While still serious, Rossi could avoid a third surgery on that knee and may return in three months rather than six.

Fiorentina says Rossi will soon be seen by the same surgeon who carried out the second operation "in order to correctly evaluate the extent of the injury and the prognosis."

Rossi limped off in tears in Sunday's 1-0 win over Livorno following a strong tackle from Leandro Rinaudo.

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