Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini will be out of action for about 20 days due to injury but should be able to compete for Italy at Euro 2012, his club announced yesterday.
Chiellini sustained “a tear to the right adductor” and “the prognosis is about 20 days (of absence),” read a statement from Juventus, who confirmed that the player will not be able to feature in the Italian Cup final against Napoli on May 20.
The relatively short recovery period will come as a welcome relief to Chiellini, who left the field in tears in the 86th minute of Juve’s final league game at home to Atalanta on Sunday.
“We’ll wait until the last day to see if he’s available,” said Italy coach Cesare Prandelli yesterday. “Knowing him, I know he’ll do everything to be there.”
Chiellini, who can play at centre-back and left-back, is expected to be a member of Prandelli’s first-choice team at Euro 2012.
The tournament begins on June 8 and Italy play their first game against holders and world champions Spain on June 10.