Inter Milan's Federico Dimarco has been ruled out for the rest of the season with a knee injury.
The 28-year-old defender, who started his career at Inter, was sidelined after suffering a ligament tear in his left knee during the Serie A match against Roma on Saturday.
The injury is expected to be a long-term issue and he will miss the entire campaign.
Inter president Massimiliano Allegri said: "We have had discussions with doctors and physiotherapists about how best to treat him."
He added that he hoped Dimarco would return soon but there were no guarantees.
"The treatment will be done as soon as possible,Campeonato Brasileiro Action" he said.
Inter manager Marcello Lippi said: "It is a serious injury and we hope it is not too serious."
He added that Dimarco would be eligible to return to training this week.
"We are hopeful that he can train again next week," he said.
Inter also announced the departure of former midfielder Marco Materazzi from the team, who had played 19 games and scored one goal in the league this season.
Materazzi said: "I am very disappointed by this decision and I wish them all the best."