Cruel twist for Emre

Further tests
Early indications are the Turkish international faces around three weeks out, although further tests scheduled for today and tomorrow will confirm the extent of the damage. Emre looks certain to skip Inter's next UEFA Champions League game against FC Barcelona on 18 February.

First-team regular
Last season Emre played just 14 matches for Inter but the former Galatasaray SK player has developed into a first-team regular this term, making 15 outings in Serie A, a division Inter top, and seven in the Champions League.

Ukraine date
One of Turkey's most impressive performers at the FIFA World Cup, scoring once in six games, Emre will also miss his country's friendly against Ukraine on 12 February. However, he should be fit for the UEFA EURO 2004™ Group 7 qualifier away to England on 2 April.

Injury list
Emre joins Daniele Adani, Francesco Coco, Matias Almeyda and Hernán Crespo on Inter's injury list, while Gabriel Batistuta is ineligible for the Champions League having already appeared in the competition with AS Roma.

Vieri update
Meanwhile, Inter striker Christian Vieri, who limped off against Reggina with a knee injury, should return to action next week after Inter's club doctor Franco Combi confirmed the Italian international had not damaged knee ligaments.