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Inter reeling from Samuel setback

FC Internazionale Milano's Walter Samuel could be out for the rest of the season with the centre-back facing surgery after suffering damage to two ligaments in his right knee.

Walter Samuel damaged ligaments in his right knee against Brescia
Walter Samuel damaged ligaments in his right knee against Brescia ©Getty Images

FC Internazionale Milano centre-back Walter Samuel could be out for the rest of the season after damaging ligaments in his right knee during Saturday's 1-1 home draw with Brescia Calcio, a game in which right-back Maicon also sustained a left thigh strain.

Both defenders underwent tests earlier today and the results confirmed the extent of Samuel's injury. "The anterior cruciate ligament and the collateral ligament of his right knee are seriously damaged," read a statement from the club. "He will undergo surgery to reconstruct both ligaments in the next few days."

The 32-year-old Argentinian international suffered a similar injury to his left knee during the 2007/08 campaign that kept him out of action for almost 11 months. "Walter has already proved that he can come back better than he was before, after a similar injury in the past," said Inter captain Javier Zanetti. "Walter is a man who never gives up and we're all backing him during this difficult time."

The club have not revealed how long Maicon is expected to be absent, but the 29-year-old Brazilian is likely to miss the Nerazzurri's next UEFA Champions League outing at home against FC Twente on November 24. The holders are level on points with Tottenham Hotspur FC at the top of Group A, two points ahead of their next opponents and five clear of SV Werder Bremen.