Juventus Jolted as Giorgio Chiellini Suffers Muscle Tear Before Champions League Final
Giorgio Chiellini suffered a first grade tear of the soleus muscle in his left leg and was forced to leave training ahead of the Champions League clash between Juventus and Barcelona.
Juventus on Thursday ruled key defender Giorgio Chiellini out of the Champions League final against Barcelona after suffering a muscle tear in training.
Chiellini had to leave training on Wednesday and scans on Thursday confirmed the bad news for the Italian champions. (Andres Iniesta Returns to Training)
"The scan revealed a first grade tear of the soleus muscle in his left leg, meaning the defender will miss Saturday's final with Barcelona," said a Juventus statement.
It was to be Chiellini's first Champions League final and his place will now be taken by Andrea Barzagli, who returned to training on Wednesday following his own, recent injury knock. (Foul Lionel Messi to Stop Him)
Chiellini's absence has robbed fans of watching him come up against Barcelona striker Luis Suarez, who was sent off and banned for four months after biting the Italian on the shoulder during a Italy v Uruguay group fixture at last summer's World Cup.
Asked on Monday if he would shake Suarez's hand before the game, Chiellini replied: "Of course I will!"