Inter Milan have been boosted by the news that Andrea Ranocchia's knee injury is not as serious as first thought.
The Nerazzurro captain hurt his left knee during Saturday's goalless draw at Empoli, and coach Roberto Mancini feared losing him for a long spell.
However, influential defender Ranocchia underwent tests on Sunday, which ruled out any ligament damage.
An Inter statement said: "Tests done have confirmed that Ranocchia has not suffered any ligament damage.''
However, the Italy international, who has started 17 league games and scored two goals for Inter this season, is expected to be sidelined for at least two weeks.
Inter take on Sampdoria at the San Siro in a Coppa Italia fixture on Wednesday before hosting Torino in Serie A three days later. They face Celtic in the Europa League round of 32 next month.