Tottenham club captain Ledley King underwent surgery on his left knee on Monday night.
King has been troubled by chronic knee problems throughout his career and he had a minor operation called an arthroscopy on his left knee.
Spurs said in a statement: "Ledley King underwent a successful arthroscopy on his left knee last night. The defender is expected to rest for up to 10 days before progressing to full activity within a further 10 days."
The surgery rules the defender out of the club's pre-season tour to South Africa, which begins on Wednesday.
King spent a large part of last season on the sidelines thanks to a groin injury, which restricted him to just nine appearances.
The London club are hopeful that the 30-year-old will be fit in time for the new season, which begins in a month's time against Everton.
King will be hoping to play a much bigger role this season although William Gallas and Michael Dawson formed a strong partnership in his absence last year.
King will be hoping to persuade manager Harry Redknapp to extend his current deal, which is due to expire next summer, having seen injury-plagued defender Jonathan Woodgate released last week.
Source: PA
