Milan's Pirlo out two months with muscle tear

AC Milan's early-season woes went from bad to worse as Andrea Pirlo is expected to be out of action for between 45 and 60 days after tearing the muscle in his right thigh.

The midfielder went down in training on Tuesday morning, but it wasn't believed that the injury was that serious, with Pirlo only expected to be out for a few weeks.

However, tests undergone by Milan medics Friday have revealed that the problem is much more serious than at first thought.

Milan's official Web site has confirmed that Pirlo has suffered "a complete muscular tear of the second degree in his right thigh."

The 29-year-old is expected to be out of action for 45 to 60 days and it is a big blow to the Rossoneri as it will see him miss a number of big games including the Milan derby at the end of this month.

Milan has at least been boosted by the imminent return of Gennaro Gattuso, who could even be fit enough to start the game with Lazio on Sunday night at the Stadio Olimpico.

It is a game the Diavoli simply have to win as they are still to register a point in Serie A this season, losing both of their games against Bologna and Genoa.