Giorgio Chiellini ruled out for Juventus' crucial tilt vs. Napoli
Giorgio Chiellini will miss Juventus' top-of-the-table Serie A clash with Napoli on Saturday due to a calf injury.
Napoli lead the league standings by two points from their opponents, the reigning four-time champions.
And while Juve will be seeking to reclaim top spot, their mounting injuries could give Napoli a golden chance to stretch their lead.
A statement on juventus.com read: "Giorgio Chiellini underwent a series of tests after departing the action towards the end of last weekend's clash (with Frosinone) at the Stadio Matusa.
"These revealed a torn soleus muscle in his right leg, an injury that is expected to keep him out for up to 20 days."
That expected three-week lay-off would keep the Italy international out of not only the Napoli showdown but also the Champions League clash with Bayern Munich, with his likely return coming against Inter Milan in the second leg of the Coppa Italia semi-final on March 2.
It would also leave Juve short of central defensive options, with Martin Caceres out for the season and only Andrea Barzagli, Leonardo Bonucci and Daniele Rugani available for coach Massimiliano Allegri's preferred 3-5-2 system, and full-back Stephan Lichtsteiner potentially required to provide cover.
