Materazzi leaves hole in Inter defence
Monday, January 11, 2010
Article summary
Seasoned FC Internazionale Milano centre-back Marco Materazzi has been ruled out for a month after undergoing arthroscopic surgery to repair damage to the medial meniscus in his right knee.
Article top media content
Article body
FC Internazionale Milano centre-back Marco Materazzi has been ruled out for a month after undergoing arthroscopic surgery to repair damage to the medial meniscus of his right knee. With Cristian Chivu already absent, coach José Mourinho will be left short of options in defence.
Early replacement
The 36-year-old replaced Chivu after the Romanian international suffered a fractured skull four minutes into the second half of Wednesday's 1-0 win at AC Chievo Verona. On Friday, Materazzi underwent surgery but should be available again in 30 days, in time to play in the Nerazzurri's UEFA Champions League first knockout round opener against Chelsea FC on 24 February. Inter are top of the Serie A table, eight points ahead of city rivals AC Milan who have a game in hand.