Fabio Capello is to undergo major knee surgery later this week, reports the Daily Mail. The England coach requires a knee replacement as a legacy of his own playing days but put the operation off until England's World Cup place was secure and plans were in place for the opening stages.

Although it has been claimed Capello faces an extensive recovery period, it will not prevent him taking charge of his side for the friendly against Egypt in March.

"Fabio has suffered with problems to his knee for a long time due to injuries sustained during his playing career, and has been left with no option but to have replacement surgery," said FA director of communications Adrian Bevington.

"He delayed the operation until after qualification for the World Cup had been achieved and at a time when England do not have a game.

"Fabio is planning to be in Warsaw at the beginning of February for the Euro 2012 draw and in South Africa for the World Cup team workshop later in February.

"He will be following all of the football on television while recovering from the operation. Our next match is not until March 3 at Wembley against Egypt and Fabio expects to fine by then.

"Fabio Capello and the FA would ask all media to respect his privacy while he has the operation and during his recovery."

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