Inter Milan president Massimo Moratti admits they're desperate to have Patrick Vieira fit and available by the turn of the year.

The Frenchman has only just returned from a long injury lay-off, but picked up a different muscular problem during the 2-1 win at CSKA Moscow and will be out for a further two months.

"We will not put any pressure on Vieira to return earlier than expected. Our objective is to have him completely fit and recovered from all his physical problems in January," Moratti told l'Equipe.

"It would be a wonderful Christmas present to be able to field him in the derby against Milan on December 23, but we are a long way away from that date now. At this moment all we wish is that he can be fit again in January."