Juventus captain Chiellini damages ACL
Juventus says Giorgio Chiellini needs an operation after damaging a knee ligament.
Published : Aug 31, 2019 00:46 IST
Giorgio Chiellini has damaged the anterior cruciate ligament of his right knee and must undergo surgery, Juventus has confirmed.
The experienced centre-back will begin treatment in the coming days after tests at J-Medical revealed the extent of the injury, which was sustained during training on Friday.
Juve has not offered a timescale on the recovery of the 35-year-old, who scored the only goal of the game in last week's 1-0 Serie A victory over Parma.
"During today's training, Giorgio Chiellini sustained a sprain of his right knee," Juve said in a statement.
"The diagnostic tests performed at J-Medical showed a lesion of the anterior cruciate ligament.
"It will be necessary to have surgery in the coming days."
The news is likely to mean Juve will keep Daniele Rugani and Merih Demiral, who had each been linked with moves away from Turin before Monday's transfer deadline.
Chiellini has made 384 league appearances since joining Juve from Roma back in 2005.
Juve face Napoli on Saturday and could consequently hand Matthijs de Ligt a competitive debut.