Reports | Giorgio Chiellini set for lengthy spell on the sidelines
Juventus star Giorgio Chiellini has been forced to the sidelines after he tore his anterior cruciate ligament during training. The Bianconeri have not given any reports on how long the defender will be out, but it has been confirmed that the player will now have to undergo surgery.
According to BBC, Juventus have issued a statement which confirms that Giorgio Chiellini has indeed sprained his right knee on Friday and will have to undergo surgery in the coming days. It is also reported that the Italian International is now set to miss several months, with his entire 2019-20 season now thrown into doubt.
The 35-year-old centre back has played 507 times for the Serie A giants, and has become an integral part of the squad. Chiellini’s absence will be a huge blow for Juventus as the club looks to win its ninth consecutive Serie A title this year, as well as its first Champions League title since 1995-96. The veteran defender has been a stalwart for the Bianconerri since joining the club.
He even made 25 league starts last season and helped the club as it went on to win its eighth consecutive Serie A title. Chiellini started alongside fellow Italian defender Leonardo Bonucci in the first Serie A game of this season, scoring the game's only goal. Juventus is set to face bitter rivals Napoli this Saturday and the presence of Chiellini will be sorely missed at the back.