Pirlo out for more than a month

AC Milan have lost Andrea Pirlo for up to five weeks after it was revealed he had suffered a more serious knee injury than first thought.

Spell on sidelines
The 24-year-old will definitely miss Milan's UEFA Champions League quarter-final second-leg match at home against AFC Ajax on Wednesday 23 April. The injury would also almost certainly keep him of both legs of the semi-finals on 6/7 and 13/14 May, should Milan progress that far.

Immediate examination
Pirlo was hurt preparing for last week's first leg against Ajax in Amsterdam, in which Milan achieved a goalless draw. He immediately saw Belgian specialist Marc Martens, and the doctor's initial diagnosis predicted the Italian international would only be sidelined for ten days.

Seedorf out
However, Pirlo was still feeling pain at the start of this week and had another scan yesterday which revealed he had fractured his kneecap. Pirlo's absence means more midfield headaches for coach Carlo Ancelotti who has already lost Clarence Seedorf for the season with a serious knee problem and has Gennaro Gattuso suspended for the Ajax tie.

Derby delight
Pirlo's absence will also be felt in Serie A as Milan look to make sure of at least a Champions League place for next season. After winning the Milan derby 1-0 against Internazionale FC on Saturday, the Rossoneri are second in the table, six points behind leaders Juventus FC.