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AC Milan's Stephan El Shaarawy sidelined with fractured metatarsal

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AC Milan forward Stephan El Shaarawy could miss the rest of the season after being diagnosed with a fracture to his right metatarsal on Monday.

The diagnosis means the 22-year-old will spend the next six weeks wearing a cast to stabilise the foot before undergoing further tests in March.

A statement on the Milan website read: "The player, right at the end of Lazio-Milan on Saturday night, fractured the base of the fifth metatarsal in his right foot after a clash.

"It has been decided to follow a conservative method of treatment. For approximately six weeks, El Shaarawy will wear a support and, after this period of time, further medical examinations will be performed before he can return to physical activity."

In September 2013, an almost identical injury to his left foot saw El Shaarawy sidelined for two months, after which he aggravated the injury on his comeback and spent the rest of the season out of action.

He has featured in 15 games for the Rossoneri this season, starting 12 of those.