Milito and Cambiasso out for three weeks

Inter said in a statement on Monday that tests showed striker Milito and midfielder Cambiasso had suffered thigh muscle strains in Argentina's 1-0 defeat in Japan on Friday.

The European champions said their recovery time would be determined in the coming days but similar injuries at the club have taken a little under a month to heal.

Milito was Inter's top scorer last term and netted the winners when they sealed the scudetto, Italian Cup and Champions League.

The 31-year-old has struggled for form and fitness this term, however, and has been eclipsed by strike partner Samuel Eto'o.

His absence will still be a blow to Rafael Benitez given the coach's limited options, although Goran Pandev is back in training after a knock.

Cambiasso has been one of Inter's most consistent performers for several seasons but his injury coincides with fellow midfielder Thiago Motta returning to full training after knee surgery.

He left the San Siro before kick-off after being told he was not even on the bench for Inter's 0-0 draw with Juventus last time out.