Inzaghi set to miss rest of season
MILAN - AC Milan's 37-year-old striker Filippo Inzaghi is likely to miss the rest of the season after suffering cruciate ligament and meniscus damage in his left knee, leaving his career hanging in the balance.
![](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/Xz7iub2mdBdRxWVbdUuNti.jpg)
"After a consultation the doctor has confirmed the need for surgery," a Milan statement said on Thursday.
Inzaghi, whose contract expires at the end of the season, suffered the injuries after coming off the bench in Wednesday's 3-1 win over Palermo which sent the Rossoneri top of Serie A.
Milan decided against offering Brazil's Ronaldo a new deal when he suffered a similar injury two years ago but the club's esteem for Inzaghi suggests an extension may be available.
"It can't end and it will not end. Pippo is in our hearts and we in his," Milan's website said.
Inzaghi vowed to carry on playing once fit.
"I don't give up. I will do everything, believe me, because it is not over. I will also do it thanks to your strength and your energy," he said in a statement to fans.
The former Italy player, part of the World Cup-winning squad in 2006, has worked hard to stay in peak physical condition in order to keep playing at the top level into his late 30s and the fact he is usually a substitute has also kept him fresh.
Get FourFourTwo Newsletter
The best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.
He came off the bench to score twice in the 2-2 Champions League draw with Real Madrid last week and had been hoping for a role in Sunday's Serie A game with champions Inter Milan.
Brazil striker Alexandre Pato also looks set to miss the derby with a thigh problem leaving Massimiliano Allegri almost obliged to play Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Robinho and Ronaldinho.
With Milan top and aiming for their first scudetto since 2004, owner and beleaguered Italian prime minister Silvio Berlusconi may seek a replacement for Inzaghi in the January window to boost his side's hopes and his own popularity.
![LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 5: Arne Slot Manager of Liverpool congratulates Mohamed Salah of Liverpool after the 4-0 victory during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD4 match between Liverpool FC and Bayer 04 Leverkusen at Anfield on November 5, 2024 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Crystal Pix/MB Media/Getty Images)](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/q3ie7X2vDDiU7X6C9HVRK7-840-80.jpg)
‘The pure simplicity of the way Slot has managed the squad is probably the biggest thing I could say about him. It’s not broken, so let’s get on with it’: Liverpool legend full of admiration for Jurgen Klopp's successor at Anfield
![CARDIFF, UNITED KINGDOM - JUNE 02: Wales captain Ryan Giggs shakes the hand of manager John Toshack after being substituted on his last International appearance for his country during the Euro 2008 Group D Qualifying Match between Wales and Czech Republic at the Millennium Stadium on June 2, 2007 in Cardiff, Wales. Photo by (Stu Forster/Getty Images)](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/ooQ9oNmgvfUUG8TBUhn6BK-840-80.jpg)
‘I trained at Spurs and thought they’d give me a chance. But I received a letter thanking me but saying they didn’t think I was good enough – I was gutted’: How Tottenham missed out on signing Wales legend John Toshack