AC Milan have announced that defender Alessio Romagnoli has sustained a thigh injury.
The 22-year-old has damaged a muscle and is therefore a major doubt for Monday's key Serie A clash with Lazio at the Stadio Olimpico.
"AC Milan announces that Alessio Romagnoli today underwent a medical examination that revealed an injury to his right thigh flexor," a Milan statement confirmed.
The news is a major blow to head coach Vincenzo Montella, who has been forced to field a makeshift defence in Milan's last two matches.
Romagnoli was used at left-back for the 1-0 defeat to Sampdoria at San Siro on February 5, with Cristian Zapata and Gabriel Paletta partnered in the middle and Juraj Kucka deployed as an emergency right-back.
Gustavo Gomez is expected to deputise at the heart of the defence, while Primavera youngsters Raul Zucchetti and Matteo Gabbia are reportedly set to be called up to the main squad.
