Injury blow for Rui Costa

Milan AC midfield player Rui Costa has been ruled out until February with a foot injury.

Complications discovered
The Portuguese international was hurt playing against Hellas-Verona FC on 23 December. He had hoped he would be back for Sunday’s league match against US Lecce but tests revealed complications.

Fifth in table
The 29-year-old joined Milan from AC Fiorentina in the summer but has not enjoyed the best of times so far at the San Siro stadium. Milan reached the Christmas break placed fifth in Serie A, seven points behind leaders and city rivals Internazionale FC.

UEFA Cup action
He should be back in time for Milan’s UEFA Cup fourth-round tie against Roda JC. The first leg is scheduled for 21 February with the second leg a week later. Milan overcame Portuguese team Sporting Clube de Portugal 3-1 on aggregate in the third round.