INTER MILAN are facing a major defensive crisis ahead of next week's showdown with Celtic after former Manchester United stopper Nemanja Vidic became their sixth crocked defender.
Celtic welcome the Serie A side to Parkhead on Thursday for the first leg of the Last 32 tie in the Europa League.
But Roberto Mancini's men have been badly hit with injuries ahead of their trip to Scotland.
Experienced Serbian ace Vidic has been laid low with sciatica and is a major doubt ahead of the tie.
He's set to miss tomorrow's trip to Atalanta and the 33-year-old has been given no indication of a return.
Vidic - who has failed to settle in Italy since his summer move from Old Trafford - will join another five of his defensive team mates on the sidelines.
Centre half Marco Andreolli and right back Danilo D'Ambrosio are both out with hamstring injuries and Japanese international full back and Inter vice-captain Yuto Nagatomo will miss both legs with a thigh tear.
Additionally, Brazilian right back Jonathan is sidelined for the season after undergoing a knee operation.
Inter Milan captain Andrea Ranocchia is also struggling with a knee knock with Mancini set to scramble together a makeshift defence to face the Hoops.
Meanwhile, Inter fans have been banned from tomorrow's clash at Atalanta after previous crowd trouble.
The Bergamo club - who have had problems with their own supporters - have opted to hand Inter no tickets for safety reasons for the Serie A clash - Inter's last game before they face Celtic.
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