Chiesa adds to Juventus’ injury woes

JUVENTUS Striker Federico Chiesa picked up a knee injury during Thursday’s 1-0 home win over Germany’s SC Freiburg in the Europa League, coach Massimiliano Allegri said.

Chiesa was substituted in the second half, giving Allegri further worries ahead of his hosts Sampdoria in Serie A on Sunday.

Argentina’s Angel Di Maria scored the winning goal for Juve and played the whole game despite showing signs of unwellness.

“We’ll see tomorrow (about Chiesa),” Allegri said. “Right now I can’t say anything because I don’t know anything. Di Maria put on an intense performance for 90 minutes. I think he had a cramp.

“We have a few players out, (Fabio) Miretti came back today and was able to play a half. Leonardo Bonucci did well too, it’s a shame that (Moise) Kean will be suspended for us in a very, very difficult and very important game on Sunday as we need to get back to winning ways in Serie A.” allegri.

Paul Pogba was not in the squad after showing up late for a meeting but Allegri said the France midfielder would be available again from Friday.

“In a team like Juventus there are rules that the experienced players in particular have to respect. In order to get to the top in a competition, you need not only technique and quality, but above all character and moral strength,” said Allegri. -Reuters