Milan’s playmaker Kaka is facing a struggle to be fit for the visit of Arsenal next week after the recurrence of a knee problem in Sunday’s 2-1 win over Palermo.

The Brazilian came off at half-time as a precaution and was expected to miss tomorrow’s match at Catania and Saturday’s clash with Lazio to be ready for the Champions League last-16 second leg at San Siro next Tuesday. However, he is more injured than first thought and may be a doubt for the crucial match, with the scores level at 0-0.

“It hurts a lot,” the world player of the year told TeleLombardia yesterday.”I hope to be fit for the Champions League match with Arsenal. I definitely won’t be there against Catania.”