Inter captain Javier Zanetti suffered a torn Achilles tendon during a 1-0 defeat to Palermo on Sunday which could signal the end of the Argentine veteran's career.

Zanetti becomes the 14th player from Inter's ranks to join a casualty list which notably includes Rodrigo Palacio, Antonio Cassano, Fredy Guarin, Diego Milito, Esteban Cambiasso, Yuto Nagatomo, Walter Gargano, Joel Obi and Gaby Mudingayi.

Inter coach Andrea Stramaccioni did not say for how long the 39-year-old Zanetti would be sidelined, but appeared pessimistic when speaking to Sky Sport Italia after the game.

"I'm not medically qualified to say, but there's a tear in the Achilles tendon of his left foot," said Stramaccioni.

"We've lost our captain and our leader, it's really a terrible moment for us."

Zanetti, who has played over 600 games for Inter since joining the club in 1995, suffered the injury in the 17th minute and was carried off the pitch on a stretcher.