Opponent Watch: Boost for Chelsea as Juve’s Euro-winning superstar doubt for UCL clash

Juventus injury news: Giorgio Chiellini doubtful for Chelsea clash in the UEFA Champions League

According to Tuttosport (Football.london), Italian defender Giorgio Chiellini suffered an Achilles injury that could prevent him from featuring against Chelsea in the UEFA Champions League. 

Juventus could suffer a massive blow against Chelsea on the 23rd of October due to the absence of their star defender Giorgio Chiellini as the two teams fight it out to qualify as group-winners for the round of 16. Juve won the reverse fixture 1-0 in Turin, but Stamford Bridge would be a whole new challenge for them.

The defender joined the Italian squad ahead of the international break and travelled with them to take part in the game against Switzerland. But the veteran superstar was sent back to Turin for medical tests on tests on an Achilles injury. 

It is believed that the injury is not severe, but he could miss the coming few important games for clubs and country. He would undoubtedly be sidelined in the last game of Italy’s qualifying campaign.

But the I Bianconeri could face difficulty without their central defender. It seems the 37-year-old veteran defender’s availability is doubtful for a few clubs games too. 

The veteran defender might be sidelined for Old Lady’s first game after the international break against Lazio. Chiellini, who won the UEFA Euros 2020 with Italy this summer, is a leader and commander in Juve’s backline but with players like Matthijs de Ligt and Leonardo Bonucci, the Blues cannot expect to have too much of leeway on the night.

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Chiellini’s availability for the game against Chelsea is also uncertain. So, Max Allegri’s team would miss their most experienced defender who has an enormous influence on the Juventus team. 

The Old Lady only lost two games out of the nine games where the Euro winning defender featured. Thomas Tuchel’s men, meanwhile, are second in Group H with 9 points from 4 games. They trail Juventus by 3 points, who have a perfect record so far.

Despite winning all the games, Zebre’s defence could show vulnerability due to the absence of Chiellini. The Blues could capitalize on this opportunity to get a convincing win with a high margin to gain the top position.