Inter Milan president Massimo Moratti has called the career-threatening injury to striker Diego Milito a "slap in the face" for the club.

He also said that he believes Milito has the physical and mental strength to recover from the setback.

"What happened to Milito is a slap in the face, but the player has the character and the physical strength to be as good as he was before," Gazzetta dello Sport quotes Moratti as saying.

"Milito's injury is a great disappointment in football terms and to him as a player for the enthusiasm he has for the game.

"I do not think that the team will now collapse; indeed I think that this gives more reason for his teammates to do well for him."

Milito had scored nine goals in 22 games this season.