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Inzaghi set to miss season, career under threat

AC Milan’s 37-year-old striker Filippo Inzaghi is likely to miss the rest of the season after suffering cruciate ligament and meniscus damage in his left knee, leaving his career hanging in the balance.

By (Reuters)

Published: Fri 12 Nov 2010, 12:53 PM

Last updated: Mon 6 Apr 2015, 4:32 AM

“After a consultation the doctor has confirmed the need for surgery,” a Milan statement said on Thursday.

Inzaghi, whose contract expires at the end of the season, suffered the injuries after coming off the bench in Wednesday’s 3-1 win over Palermo which sent the Rossoneri top of Serie A.

Milan decided against offering Brazil’s Ronaldo a new deal when he suffered a similar injury two years ago but the club’s esteem for Inzaghi suggests an extension may be available.

“It can’t end and it will not end. Pippo is in our hearts and we in his,” Milan’s website (www.acmilan.com) said.

Inzaghi vowed to carry on playing once fit.

“I don’t give up. I will do everything, believe me, because it is not over. I will also do it thanks to your strength and your energy,” he said in a statement to fans.

The former Italy player, part of the World Cup-winning squad in 2006, has worked hard to stay in peak physical condition in order to keep playing at the top level into his late 30s and the fact he is usually a substitute has also kept him fresh.

He came off the bench to score twice in the 2-2 Champions League draw with Real Madrid last week and had been hoping for a role in Sunday’s Serie A game with champions Inter Milan.

Brazil striker Alexandre Pato also looks set to miss the derby with a thigh problem leaving Massimiliano Allegri almost obliged to play Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Robinho and Ronaldinho.

With Milan top and aiming for their first scudetto since 2004, owner and beleaguered Italian prime minister Silvio Berlusconi may seek a replacement for Inzaghi in the January window to boost his side’s hopes and his own popularity.