Kashima Antlers midfielder Gaku Shibasaki looks set to miss the start of the upcoming season after undergoing surgery for acute appendicitis, the J. League first-division club announced on Friday.

The 23-year-old Shibasaki had the operation on Tuesday and will need around four weeks to make a full recovery.

Seven-time champion Kashima kicks off its J. League campaign on the road against Gamba Osaka on Feb. 28.