Inter midfielder Patrick Vieira risks missing the start of the season after the Serie A champions said yesterday he has injured his left thigh.

The club added that tests showed the France captain, who took part in Tuesday's pre-season mini-tournament also involving Milan and Juventus, has suffered a strain just above the area of the injury that prevented him playing at Euro 2008.

"I'm sorry but I remain optimistic," Vieira said.

"I'll do everything to be available at the start of the season. I'm not giving up. Beating bad luck is one of my aims, along with winning lots more with Inter."

On Wednesday, Inter president Massimo Moratti said the Italian champions may be forced back into the transfer market because of an injury crisis in their defence.

Marco Materazzi, Walter Samuel, Cristian Chivu and Ivan Cordoba are not yet fit for the Serie A kick-off on August 31.

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