Inter’s injury troubles continue with Samuel out for season
Published:Inter Milan suffered more than dropped points from their clumsy home draw with Brescia as three of their most influential players had to leave the field before the game’s completion.
A migrane was to blame for Wesley Sneijder being forced off just after half-time, but defenders Maicon and Walter Samuel could be out of action for a much longer period.
Maicon appeared to strain a hamstring in the first half, while Samuel suffered a second serious career knee injury and could miss the remainder of Inter’s season.
The Argentinean hyper-extended his left knee in the second period of the clash and will need to undergo an operation.
A statement on the official Inter website stated: “Tests have found a serious rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament and collateral ligament in the right knee.
“Over the next few days we will plan the reconstructive surgery.”
The injury is no stranger to Samuel after he did similar damage to his other knee in 2007 and this kept him out of action for nine months.
Inter boss Rafa Benitez does have some experienced replacements at hand for Samuel, with Ivan Cordoba looking like the obvious choice after he filled in at heart of the defence against Brescia.
Marco Materazzi is another option, while Cristian Chivu could move over from full-back and Benitez could then turn to David Santon.
Inter’s draw with Brescia has left them as the 5/4 favourites to win Serie A, although they are currently third in the standings, three points behind Lazio.
They travel to Lecce next, who are a team that they have beaten in their last five meetings.
Inter have also won their last two away games with the opposition without conceding a goal and they are 8/13 to beat Lecce this season.
Lecce are still unbeaten at home and are 4/1 to beat Inter. See the full Lecce vs Inter match betting odds market.
