Juventus News: When Giorgio Chiellini is expected to return
Juventus captain Giorgio Chiellini has been out for more than a month with an injury, but he could return when Serie A does.
On Jan. 3, Juventus will get an opportunity to wash out the taste of their horrible loss to Fiorentina, as they fell 3-0 at home due to several inexcusable defensive errors and an embarrassing performance from the midfield.
Giorgio Chiellini could give Juve the boost they seem to need mentally, as the captain is reportedly ready to make his return from injury.
Tuttosport’s Fabio Riva reports that Chiellini is fit and ready. The report states that Juventini can expect Chiellini to play against Udinese, days before the much bigger fixture against league leaders Milan. That match between the Bianconeri and Rossoneri could play a role in deciding the Scudetto.
Chiellini last played against Ferencvaros in early November, getting in a full 90 minutes in the Bianconeri’s 4-1 win. He played at a high level in the match and was set to face Lazio in a bigger game, but he suffered yet another thigh injury a day before the match.
Juventus will need Giorgio Chiellini ready for Milan
The injuries are a recurring theme for Chiellini, whose final years with the club may not go to plan because of these nagging issues. Juventini can only hope he remains healthy for the rest of the season, but the club will have to be careful to use their captain sparingly.
Udinese could be a good tune-up opponent for Chiellini, though Juve will need him the most for that fixture against Milan.
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So far this season, Chiellini has six starts, with at least 80 minutes played in five of them. He is completing nearly 93 percent of his passes and is a calming veteran presence in the squad. If he is healthy, Juve will likely go with a back three of Leonardo Bonucci, Matthijs de Ligt, and Chiellini, which would be optimal vs. Udinese with Juan Cuadrado suspended. If they want to play with a back four against Milan, de Ligt and Chiellini would be the two best starters.