Chiellini out with a calf injury but expected to be back for Italy WCQ

Giorgio Chiellini, the skipper of Juventus, is expected to miss the opening match of the Old Lady's Champions League last-16 clash against Villarreal after suffering a calf injury that will keep him out for a month. 

Chiellini, 37, was injured in Juventus' 2-0 victory against Hellas Verona on Sunday, and a statement released on Tuesday revealed it was a calf strain. 

The statement read:

"Giorgio Chiellini underwent radiological scans at J Medical today, which revealed a low-grade lesion of the deep musculature of the left calf

."

While Juve has not given a timetable for his return, sources in the Italian press suggest he will miss the remainder of February. 

As a result, he'll likely miss five games, beginning with Thursday's

match against Sassuolo.

Juventus also has

matches against Atalanta, Torino, and Empoli coming up before the end of the month, as well as the opening leg of their

last-16 game against Villarreal on February 22. 

Chiellini, on the other hand, should be available on March 16, and Roberto Mancini may still hope to choose his captain at the completion of their World Cup qualifying campaign. 

Italy failed not to earn a direct ticket to Qatar's World Cup, thus they will play

North Macedonia

in the play-off semi-finals, with

Portugal

or

Turkey

in the play-off finals. 

If Italy fails to qualify for the World Cup in Qatar in 2022, it will be the first time in history that the Azzurri have missed qualifying for two World Cups in a row.

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