London, Jan 5 : England manager Fabio Capello will undergo knee replacement surgery this week, according to a report in The Sun.

He will undergo the procedure in Italy, and is likely to be on crutches for six weeks, but hopes to be back watching games next month.

Capello suffered a knee injury during his playing career, and it is understood that the operation is intended to increase flexibility and reduce the pain suffered by the 63-year-old.

England's next game is a friendly against Egypt March 3. Capello is said to have chosen this point for the surgery to give him time to rehabilitate during a gap in the calendar.(DPA)