Juventus centre-back Giorgio Chiellini will miss the first leg of the Italian club’s UEFA Europa League round of 16 tie with Fulham on Thursday but could be back for the return in London next week after a scan revealed that his left thigh injury is less serious than first feared.
The 25-year-old suffered the injury during the 2-1 victory at Fiorentina on Saturday, but analysis revealed no serious damage to any muscles. The Italy centre-back, who has contested 25 games in Serie A and six in Europe this term with Juve, will be out of action for about a week. Nicola Legrottaglie is expected to deputise against Fulham in Turin.