Pato and Nesta to miss derby
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Source: Football Italia

Alexandre Pato is out of the Milan derby after a thigh strain, while Alessandro Nesta is also a major doubt.

The Rossoneri are on fine form going into the game against Inter, but were hit by a double blow from the medical staff this afternoon.

The official club website confirmed that Pato has suffered “a first to second degree lesion in his right thigh.

“The player will undergo a course of physiotherapy over the next few weeks and ulterior tests.”

This not only rules the Brazilian out of the derby, it also means he faces a race against time to be fit for the Champions League clash with Manchester United in February.

‘The Duck’ is yet to step on to the field in 2010, as he has been dealing with this recurring muscular problem.

To make matters worse, defensive rock Nesta “has a large bruise on the muscle of his right thigh. The player will undergo further tests on Thursday morning.”

Nesta limped off as a precautionary measure after a knock during the 4-0 win over Siena on Sunday, but now finds himself a doubt for the big Inter match.

The medical report on the official Milan website also noted that Mathieu Flamini took a knock to the right shoulder and “his condition will be evaluated over the next few days.”

Clarence Seedorf will be in full training if he passes tomorrow’s check-up.

Gianluca Zambrotta’s tests showed his right calf is healing, but will continue a personalised training schedule and so is highly unlikely to recover for the derby this weekend.

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