Milan’s Champions League hopes have suffered a setback after leading scorer Alexandre Pato limped out of Sunday’s league win over Atalanta.
The Brazilian forward scored twice during Milan’s 3-1 win at San Siro but pulled up late in the game clutching his thigh.
The 20-year-old looked distraught as he headed for the dressing rooms and it was feared he had suffered a recurrence of the adductor injury that recently kept him out for two months.
Milan now face an anxious wait to see if Pato will be fit in time for their Champions League tie at Old Trafford on 10th March.
“We will have to wait 24 to 48 hours before knowing the extent of the injury,” said Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani.
“Not to have Pato would be terrible. We don’t have anyone who can replace him. Without him, we would need to change our tactical set-up.”
Pato has been in impressive form this season, with Sunday’s goals taking his league tally to 12 goals from 17 starts.
“We have to see what type of injury he’s suffered but it’s true that his last injury was to an adductor so that is a little worry,” coach Leonardo told Sky Italia.
“It doesn’t seem as bad as it seemed on the pitch but it still worries us.”
