Samuel unlikely to play again this season

Internazionale have confirmed that central defender Walter Samuel has undergone reconstructive knee surgery.

The 32-year-old Argentina international had to be replaced early on in the second half of the 1-1 draw with Brescia following a collision with Andrea Caracciolo, with subsequent tests showing up major damage to his right knee.

A statement from Inter confirmed: “The operation lasted around three and a half hours and was successful in reconstructing the anterior cruciate ligament and the outer compartment of the right knee.

“The surgery, which was performed by Professor Franco Benazzo’s team at the orthopaedic clinic in Pavia, was a very difficult one because of the type of lesion suffered by the Nerazzurri defender, but had no complications.”

Samuel is highly unlikely to play again this season, with the South American expected to be sidelined for at least six months.