Pato injury deals AC Milan another blow

AC Milan forward Alexandre Pato has been diagnosed with a right thigh strain that will keep him out for up to three weeks, imposing another obstacle for the Serie A leader to overcome in its title pursuit.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic has two games remaining on his ban for insulting a linesman. There are five rounds left in the season.

Fortunately for Milan, Napoli's 2-1 loss to Udinese on Sunday opened up a six-point lead over the southern club.

Pato was injured in Milan's 3-0 win over Sampdoria on Saturday. He'll likely miss matches against Brescia and Bologna, and perhaps against Roma.

Pato will also miss the opening leg of the Italian Cup semifinals against Palermo on Wednesday.

Milan's other forwards are Robinho and Antonio Cassano.