MADISON, Wis. -- Wisconsin junior kicker Rafael Gaglianone will miss the remainder of the season after undergoing surgery Thursday for a back injury.

Gaglianone missed the Badgers’ 30-6 win at Michigan State last Saturday as a result of the injury. His condition appeared to improve Sunday but worsened in the days that followed, leading to the need for the surgical procedure.

“You’re disappointed for Rafael because of all the work he’s put in and how well he was playing,” UW head coach Paul Chryst said. “From a football perspective, I’ve appreciated the way the other guys in that unit have responded this week.”

Gaglianone, the Badgers’ field goal specialist since 2014, had converted 7 of 8 kicks this season before being sidelined by the injury. Recovery from a similar back injury led to him missing spring practice in 2015.

“Unfortunately this isn’t his first experience with something like this,” Chryst said, “but we’ve seen that Raf is going to do everything he can to get back on the field as soon as he can.”

Based on his participation in only three games this season, Gaglianone will be eligible to apply for a medical hardship waiver with the NCAA and seek an additional season of competition.