Milan midfielder Loftus-Cheek rushed to hospital for emergency surgery | OneFootball

Ruben Loftus-Cheek had been expected to start for Milan against Napoli this evening, but instead he was rushed to hospital for emergency surgery to remove his appendix.

“AC Milan can confirm that Ruben Loftus-Cheek underwent laparoscopic appendectomy surgery today due to acute abscessed appendicitis,” read a statement.

“The operation, which was performed by Professor Francesco Corcione and his team, went perfectly to plan.”

It kicks off at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT).

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from today’s Serie A games on the Liveblog.

Loftus-Cheek ruled out of Napoli vs. Milan

Ruben Loftus-Cheek Milan (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)

Multiple reports had suggested that Loftus-Cheek was going to be in the starting XI tonight, stepping in for suspended USMNT midfielder Yunus Musah.

However, the former Chelsea player felt severe abdominal pains overnight while at the team hotel in Naples.

Doctors sent him to the local hospital, whose tests confirmed acute appendicitis with the need to have emergency surgery.

Appendicitis can be potentially fatal if left unchecked, as the appendix can become so inflamed that it bursts.

The 29-year-old has struggled with a series of injury problems this season, making only 22 competitive appearances for Milan, in which he provided one assist.