Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini should return from a thigh problem in time for this month's Champions League last 16 first leg match at Chelsea, the Serie A club said.

The Italy international, voted Serie A's top defender in 2008 by his fellow professionals, suffered the injury in Saturday's 3-2 home defeat by Cagliari.

"The prognosis is for him to return to action in 15-20 days, therefore Giorgio should be ready just in time for the first leg with Chelsea (on Feb. 25)," a club statement read.

Midfielder Cristiano Zanetti, who has just come back from injury, has been less fortunate and will be out for 2-1/2 months with a fresh hamstring problem, the statement added.

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