Lazio and Italy defender Francesco Acerbi is expected to be out of action for at least a month and could also therefore miss the World Cup play-off.
The centre-back limped off during the 3-3 draw with Empoli last Thursday and was seen clutching the back of his thigh.
Tests at the Paideia clinic in Rome have now confirmed Acerbi has sustained a Grade II tear to the muscle.
He is expected to be out of action for at least a month, therefore missing some big Lazio games in Sere A and the Coppa Italia against Salernitana, Udinese and Atalanta.
Acerbi is also a major doubt to be in the Italy squad for the World Cup play-offs against North Macedonia and either Portugal or Turkey in March.
The Italy international will turn 34 in February and has 22 senior caps for Italy, including one goal.
It is particularly bad news for the World Cup play-off, as Federico Chiesa has been ruled out for the rest of the season with a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his knee.
Lazio, stop di un mese per Acerbi: il centrale salterà Salernitana, Udinese e Atalanta https://t.co/M5KORc044O
— TUTTOmercatoWEB (@TuttoMercatoWeb) January 10, 2022
Blessing in disguise if there ever was one.
Backups should be Bostoni and move Toloi over to CB (he can play both positions).