Juventus defender Andrea Barzagli has challenged his team to over-come the absence of instrumental playmaker Andrea Pirlo.

The veteran Italy international sustained ligament damage in his right knee during Sunday’s 1-0 victory over Udinese and will be out of action until the new year.

“Of course, Pirlo’s injury worries us,” Barzagli was quoted as saying yesterday.

“He is unique in his role and a crucial player for us. We will miss him a lot.

“But if Juventus want to prove that we can go far in any competition then we need to have a strong group, capable of sub-stituting Pirlo.

“No-one can do things like Pirlo but we have important midfielders that can do well.”

Pirlo, who has scored three goals in 13 appearances to help Juventus climb to the top of Serie A, will miss three league games and the crucial Champions League Group B meeting with Galatasaray in Istanbul on December 10.

Juventus need a draw in Turkey to guarantee a place in the knock-out round.

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