Inter have been hit by an injury blow with the news that Nemanja Vidic is looking at up to five months on the sidelines.
Vidic has a back issue and Inter's medical team have been trying to avoid the need for an operation, a course of treatment which has seen the Serbian miss the club's pre-season friendlies.
But according to Italian broadcaster Sport Mediaset, they have lost their battle and Vidic is all but certain to have to go under the knife to ease his back woes, most probably tomorrow.
And the result is that the former Manchester United defender will miss between four and five months.
Vidic joined Inter from Manchester United last summer, but endured a lacklustre first campaign in Italian football which saw his performances criticised.
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The 33-year-old played just 23 games in Serie A for the Nerazzurri last term, picking up six yellow cards and one red card along the way.
Hopes had been high at the San Siro that Vidic could replicate his success at Manchester United in Italy.
He is under contract with Inter for a further two years, but has been linked with a move, something his injury blow means will now be out of the question this summer.
