© Reuters 2002

ROME, Jan 26 (Reuters) - Inter Milan's Brazilian striker Ronaldo is unlikely to play again until mid-February after straining his thigh during a practice game, according to a report in Gazzetta Dello Sport on Saturday.

The forward, who has spent much of the last two years out injured, sustained the strain during a game against Spanish side Real Mallorca B on Thursday in Palma, where Inter have been training this week.

But Inter Milan doctor Franco Combi believes Ronaldo's return to full fitness may depend on his state of mind.

"His enthusiasm to return to the pitch is understandable but his troubles are not just linked to fatigue," Combi was quoted as saying by Italian News Agency ANSA.

"We can't predict how long it will take because one of the most important aspects is the psychological one.

"In Milan he will undergo a magnetic test and afterwards he will have another consultation. It's an additional check just so we get an extra opinion," he said.

Ronaldo, who has scored three goals this season, had been expected to play some part for the leaders in their game against bottom club Venezia on Sunday, especially with Uruguay forward Alvaro Recoba injured.

The problem could also keep him out of February's friendly between Brazil and Saudi Arabia, a warm up for the World Cup finals which his national team coach Luiz Felipe Scolari said he was "almost 100 percent" certain to feature in.

But Inter President Massimo Moratti remained positive about his striker's fitness.

"Ronie is like a Ferrari in Formula One, not a runaround car," Moratti told Gazzetta.

"As with all high performance things, to get the best from him he must be in perfect shape. It's a shame that this happens just when he wants to start playing but it's important not to take unnecessary risks."