Dacourt laid low by knee blow

Olivier Dacourt has joined an ever-growing absentee list at FC Internazionale Milano after being ruled out until the new year with a knee injury.

Seven-week absence
The 33-year-old former France midfielder suffered the knock midway through the first half of Sunday's 2-0 victory at ACF Fiorentina, and tests today revealed damage to the collateral ligament and the medial meniscus of his left knee. The initial prognosis is that Dacourt will be absent for seven weeks, sidelining him for Inter's last four Serie A games before the winter break and also the UEFA Champions League match at PSV Eindhoven on 12 December. Coach Roberto Mancini will also be without Luís Figo and Patrick Vieira, while Dejan Stanković is not fully fit. Inter are already through as Group G winners.