Star defender Giorgio Chiellini has avoided a long-term injury, Juventus announced Sunday, but the Italian’s participation in Tuesday’s Champions League clash at Lyon is doubtful.
Chiellini has struggled through a string of muscular injuries in recent weeks. He was initially sent home from Italy’s camp during the international break with a calf issue, and tweaked his thigh in training prior to Saturday’s contest against Udinese.
But subsequent tests revealed no “long-term damage” to Chiellini’s thigh area. The club will conduct further medical evaluations in the coming days, meaning he’s unlikely to feature in midweek Champions League action.
Massimiliano Allegri accommodated for Chiellini’s absence Saturday by electing to go with a back four. With Daniele Rugani also out with his own knee problem, the only senior centre-backs available are Leonardo Bonucci, Andrea Barzagli, and Medhi Benatia.
