AC Milan defender Paolo Maldini, who is mulling whether to retire at the end of the season, has suffered an injury to his left thigh.

The 39-year-old could be out for the final five games of the Serie A campaign, Italian media reported. Milan's Web site (www.acmilan.com) only said he would undergo more tests on Monday. Maldini told Reuters last week he had not yet decided if he would retire.

He had originally planned to quit in May after 23 years in Milan's first team but he is tempted to play on for another season after receiving the backing of club bosses and team mates. Milan have had a poor campaign and were knocked out of the Champions League as holders by Arsenal in the first knockout round. Carlo Ancelotti's side are fifth in Serie A and need to make the top four to qualify for next season's Champions League.

Maldini had been expected to delay his decision until the end of the campaign to see if Milan make fourth spot. Inter Milan's Luis Figo, 35, is facing the same dilemma of whether to retire or battle back from injury and play another season.

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