Atalanta midfielder Matteo Pessina is expected to be out of action for circa two months after tests showed a serious thigh strain.
The Italy international pulled up clutching the back of his right leg during the 3-2 Serie A home defeat to Milan on Sunday.
He was forced to withdraw from the squad for the Nations League.
Now reports suggest that tests with the Atalanta medics showed a Grade II lesion to the flexor in his right thigh.
This type of injury will require a couple of months on the sidelines, so it is likely he won’t be back in action until 2022, or at least late December.
It’s another heavy blow for Atalanta, who have already lost Robin Gosens for at least two months with a similar muscular tear.
Pessina is 24 years old and plays as an attacking midfielder, so far this season contributing one goal in eight appearances between Serie A and the Champions League.