Costacurta blow for Milan

Milan AC's Alessandro Costacurta will miss the rest of the season with a knee injury.

Serious injury
A medical check-up conducted today has confirmed the seriousness of an injury to ligaments in the Italian international's right knee. Further scans will be carried out tomorrow in a private clinic in Antwerp to determine whether he requires surgery.

UEFA Cup hopes over
The 36-year old was injured during Sunday's Serie A match against Piacenza FC and had to be stretched off after 60 minutes. The injury ends his hopes of playing any further part in his side's UEFA Cup campaign and could even force him to announce his retirement from professional football.

Illustrious career
In his career, 'Billy' Costacurta has played 386 Serie A matches for Milan scoring two goals. After having made his international debut on 13 November 1991 against Switzerland, he went on to earn a total of 59 caps for Italy scoring two goals. His last appearance for the Azzurri was against France in the quarter-finals of the 1998 FIFA World Cup.