Crespo out until spring

Internazionale FC striker Hernán Crespo could be missing for at least two months after tearing a muscle in his right thigh during the 2-0 win over Modena FC.

Lengthy absence
It is feared the Argentinian international will miss the remainder of the UEFA Champions League second group stage because of the injury, which he sustained shortly after scoring Inter's second goal midway through the first half.

'A significant injury'
The full extent of Crespo's injury will be known after tests due to take place tomorrow. Inter doctor Franco Combi said: "It's a significant injury. On Tuesday he will undergo further tests but he has surely torn his muscle and it will take a long time for him to return to action."

Recoba problem
Crespo's fellow scorer against Modena, Alvaro Recoba, was also forced to leave the pitch with a thigh injury but the Uruguayan international's problem is understood to be less serious.

Leading scorer
The 27-year-old Crespo is currently the Champions League's leading scorer with nine goals from eight matches but now risks missing the four remaining games of the second stage, which concludes on 19 March.

Second in Serie A
Héctor Cúper's side sit top of Group A, level on six points with FC Barcelona having won their first two games against Newcastle United FC and Bayer 04 Leverkusen. In Serie A, the Nerazzurri are second in the table, level on points with leaders AC Milan.