Inter forward Joaquin Correa could be set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines after he suffered the same thigh injury as the one that kept him out in December, according to a report in the Italian media today.

As has been reported by La Gazzetta dello Sport today, the Argentine was in visible distress and in tears when he was substituted after just 150 seconds against Empoli in the Coppa Italia on Wednesday night.

He had been given a rare start by Simone Inzaghi and the game represented an opportunity to put himself in the frame for more regular Serie A action.

The muscle injury in his left thigh that he suffered against AS Roma early in December made a fresh appearance though, and now it is difficult to imagine anything other than a long spell out of the team.

More tests have to be done before the extent of the injury is really known.