Paulo Dybala & Alvaro Morata to miss Chelsea clash through injury
Massimiliano Allegri has confirmed that both Paulo Dybala and Alvaro Morata will miss Juventus‘ Champions League clash with Chelsea on Wednesday evening, after the pair picked up knocks in the 3-2 victory over Sampdoria on Sunday.
Dybala started the game strongly and scored the opening goal, but he left the field in tears after 20 minutes, having suffered a muscle injury. Morata also asked to be substituted after suffering a thigh issue, leaving the Bianconeri short in attack.
And Allegri confirmed after the victory over Samp that Juve will have to do without the duo for their Champions League group stage tie with Chelsea, and that they won’t be available again until after the international break.
„Neither of them will be available for Chelsea nor Torino,“ Allegri said. „Let’s see after the break, these injuries are part of the season and part of the game.“
While this comes as bad news for Juventus supporters, Chelsea fans will fancy their chances on Wednesday, as they look to continue their good start to the Champions League defence. The Blues won their opening battle with Zenit, and will want to prove themselves as worthy European champions in Italy.
The Bianconeri kicked off their European campaign with a 3-0 win over Malmo, but Chelsea’s trip to Turin will be a much sterner test. And Allegri would certainly have preferred for Dybala to be available, given his importance to the team.
The Argentine led Juve out as captain on Sunday, and began the game in electric form. His early goal gave the Old Lady the lead, and he almost set up two more before succumbing to injury. Dybala was devastated to leave the pitch prematurely, wiping away tears of frustration as he made way for Dejan Kulusevski.
Allegri will have to rotate his squad for Chelsea’s visit, handing a start to some of his less fancied options.