An ex-Premier League star was rushed to hospital on Sunday ahead of a big game for his club in Serie A.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek was expected to start in AC Milan's visit to second-placed Napoli on Sunday night but he will no longer be taking part.
The former Chelsea midfielder suffered with severed abdominal pains during the night after his side arrived in Naples on Saturday.
He was taken to a nearby hospital where it was confirmed that he had acute appendicitis and required immediate surgery.
Appendicitis can quickly lead to very serious complications and even be fatal if the appendix becomes so inflamed that it bursts.