Zenit defender Criscito out for the season

Mar 3, 2013 11:55:00 PM

The Italy full-back faces a minimum of six months on the sidelines after suffering a cruciate ligament tear in a friendly match against Siena

Zenit St Petersburg defender Domenico Criscito has been ruled out for the rest of the season with a knee injury.

The Italy international suffered a cruciate ligament tear in a friendly match with Siena last Thursday, and coach Luciano Spalletti has confirmed the player will now be sidelined for at least six months as he requires surgery.

"Mimmo [Criscito] tore cruciate ligaments and will undergo surgery," Spalletti was quoted as saying by the club's official website.

The 26-year-old Criscito, who joined the Russian outfit from Genoa in the summer of 2011, will now miss Zenit's title run-in and the remainder of their European campaign.

Zenit face Basel in the last 16 of the Europa League on Thursday, before they return to action on the domestic front against Rubin Kazan on March 10.

Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25
Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200
Sign up to Paddy Power for £250 in free bets
Sign up today with Coral and get a £50 FREE bet - no strings attached!
Sign up today with BetVictor and get a £25 FREE BET!