Argentina international striker Lucas Pratto suffered a fractured nose during Sao Paulo's 3-0 loss to Palmeiras in Brazil's Paulista championship on Saturday.

Pratto was taken to hospital after a throw-in from a teammate struck him in the face as he tussled with opponent Victor Hugo.

The 28-year-old was making his fifth appearance for Sao Paulo following his January transfer from Atletico Mineiro.

Sao Paulo officials said it was too early to say if Pratto would be sidelined by the injury.

The former Boca Juniors and Genoa forward was earlier this month named in Argentina's squad for their upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Chile and Bolivia.

source: Xinhua