05/12/2001

FOUR-MONTH LAY-OFF FOR INZAGHI AFTER KNEE SURGERY

Filippo Inzaghi has targeted a return in time to make the Italy squad for the World Cup after learning that he will miss four months following surgery on his left knee. "I am sure I will be in Japan next summer, if Trapattoni wants me," he said.

Dr Andrea Campi, the Lazio medical director and head physician at San Giacomo hospital, found that the AC Milan forward had snapped two ligaments in the knee.

He explained that the injury was not as bad as first feared, but confirmed that Inzaghi, who was hurt during his team's 3-2 win over Chievo on Sunday and left the field in tears, could not expect to be back until the spring.

Milan are looking for a new striker to cover for "SuperPippo", with Serhiy Rebrov thought to be in the frame.

The Ukrainian has rarely featured for Tottenham Hotspur this season and saw his hopes of a run in the side dashed on Wednesday when it emerged that fellow forward Les Ferdinand, who twisted an ankle on Monday, might be back within a week.

Lazio striker Darko Kovacevic, who Milan boss Carlo Ancelotti had in his squad at Juventus, is another possible target.

[Onefootball.com]