Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini will miss Saturday's Champions League final against Barcelona due to a calf tear, the Serie A champions confirmed on Thursday.
Chiellini, 30, was expected to line up against Barcelona forward Luis Suarez, who infamously bit him on the shoulder during a group-stage match between Italy and Uruguay at last year's World Cup.
"As the clock ticks down to Saturday's showpiece event at the Olympiastadion, Massimiliano Allegri's men focused on tactics at Juventus Center," the club said in a statement. "Missing out was Giorgio Chiellini, who underwent tests after reporting discomfort in his calf on Wednesday. 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."
Chiellini could be replaced in the center of defense by Andrea Barzagli, who is also facing a race against time to be fit for the match while recovering from a torn thigh muscle.
Allegri's side have already won the Serie A title and Coppa Italia, meaning victory on Saturday would not only land the club their first Champions League title since 1996 but also their first-ever treble.
[SportsNetwork.com]
