Inter to miss Materazzi

Missed absence
The 30-year-old suffered the injury to his right leg during the 5-1 defeat by Arsenal FC in UEFA Champions League Group B on Tuesday, moments before Thierry Henry scored the visitors' third goal. Materazzi's absence is a blow to Inter as he is a crucial player in coach Alberto Zaccheroni's three-man defence, although it should spell an opportunity for Daniele Adani.

Coco operation
It was not the only setback for Inter, who have yet to concede a Serie A goal under Zaccheroni, as left-back Francesco Coco yesterday underwent back surgery to remove a hernia. Coco will need to rest for about a week before resuming training and will definitely miss the away match against FC Dynamo Kyiv on 10 December. Inter need a win in Ukraine to secure a place in the knockout stage.