When Diego Milito caught his foot in the turf during Inter Milan’s 2-0 win over CFR Cluj on Thursday night, many were hoping that the Argentine had pulled at muscle, at worst. However, it’s since been confirmed that the striker suffered a cruciate knee injury and will miss the rest of the season.
With just Rodrigo Palacio and Antonio Cassano as the club’s two starting frontmen it also leaves Tommaso Rocchi in reserve. However, the trio don’t offer a similar threat as top scorer Milito, with the former pairing operating in the space between the midfield and defence, rather than the 33-year-old who prefers to perform in the 18 yard box.
It leaves Andrea Stramaccioni’s side in somewhat of a predicament, with the Nerazzurri desperate to secure Champions League football next season. However, losing Milito to injury will only hamper their chances, as witnessed in the recent 4-1 defeat to Fiorentina.
Reports suggest that the young coach will look to secure the signature of Ruud van Nistelrooy on a short term deal, no matter the Dutchman retiring from the game over the summer. Despite his lack of match fitness, the former Manchester United man could be exactly what Inter need to find the net on a regular basis and with it; a place back amongst Europe’s elite.
Nevertheless, it’s absolutely vital that Inter bring in a short term free signing between now and the end of the season. The defeat to the Viola on Sunday highlighted the need for a player to admirably lead the line, something which Palacio and Cassano can’t do, no matter their goals over the last week.