Rome - Brazilian international Douglas Maicon will be unavailable for a month for Serie A leaders Inter Milan as they look to keep Juventus at bay in the final part of the season.

The right-back pulled a muscle in his right thigh at the weekend during Brazil's 1-1 draw with Ecuador in a 2010 World Cup qualifier.

Holders Inter have a seven-point lead on Juve, but will miss the in-form Maicon, 27, when they visit their chasers on April 19. He will also be unavailable for games against Udinese, Palermo and Napoli. (dpa)