Internazionale defender Marco Materazzi is facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines with a thigh injury.
Defender could be out for several months
Internazionale defender Marco Materazzi is facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines after suffering a thigh injury in Italy's friendly defeat to Hungary.
Materazzi was replaced at half-time against Hungary and had to watch as his team-mates slipped to a surprise 3-1 loss.
A hematoma developed in Materazzi's leg and he has now undergone surgery to alleviate the problem.
Initial reports suggested he would only be out for a few weeks, but further scans have shown that he could be sidelined for a longer period.
Doctors have yet to confirm the exact length he could be out for, but the latest reports are that it will be around four months.
Materazzi could therefore miss the group stage of the UEFA Champions League, as well as a huge chunk of the Serie A season.
He may also miss the remainder of Italy's Euro 2008 qualifiers.
