Juventus struck by injury to key player before Champions League League opener

Published at :September 19, 2018 at 1:49 PM

Modified at :September 19, 2018 at 1:49 PM

Juan Cuadrado could be slotted in as a wing-back to fill the void against Spanish side Valencia.

Just hours away from their UEFA Champions League opener, Juventus are in jeopardy as their main right-back has picked up an injury. A right thigh muscle injury will force Mattia De Sciglio out of the trip to Valencia, a club statement confirmed on Tuesday.

The injury is believed to have affected the player during the pre-match preparations of the Serie A victory against Sassuolo. “Having pulled up in the warm-up of Sunday’s win over Sassuolo, Mattia De Sciglio underwent tests, which revealed a tear to the flexor muscles in his right thigh,” the Italian club said.

The Italian joined the Old Lady last season and featured briefly for the club, winning the Serie A and the Coppa Italia at the end of the campaign. “The defender has started to receive therapy and is undergoing a personalized recovery program, as his condition continues to be monitored on a daily basis,” the club added.

The Juventus squad – minus De Sciglio – exercised at the team’s training center in Turin before heading to Spain. Cristiano Ronaldo will feature in the game and has an excellent record against Valencia.

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In 18 games during his stay with Real Madrid over nine seasons, he has scored 15 goals against Wednesday opponents. Ronaldo was bought in the aftermath of the World Cup for over a £100m and the club are firm their mission of ending their Champions League drought. Juventus have featured in two of the last four finals of the tournament.