Pato blow for Milan - Rossoneri marksman to miss the next four weeks due to injury

Pato: Laid low with thigh problem and is set to be out of action for four weeks

AC Milan striker Alexandre Pato has been ruled out of action for a month with a leg injury.

The Brazil international suffered the injury during Wednesday's draw with Udinese.

Scans have confirmed Pato has strained his thigh muscle and that he will be sidelined for four weeks with the problem.

A Milan statement read: "Tests undertaken have revealed a muscle contraction in the player's right thigh. The player is expected to be out for at least four weeks.

Injury crisis

The news is a blow for Milan as fellow forwards Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Robinho are also sidelined with injuries along with Kevin-Prince Boateng, Massimo Ambrosini, Gennaro Gattuso, Philippe Mexes and Luca Antonini

Milan general manager Adriano Galliani admitted the club were struggling with injuries and he wants the club to get to the bottom of Pato's problems

"We have to work out why this boy (Pato) is now suffering from muscle strains when in 2008 and 2009 he had no problems," said Galliani.

"It's not about being lucky or unlucky. We have 10 to 12 players out so it's difficult for us now. When we get our players back, we will start winning matches."