Chiellini withdraws from Italy squad with thigh complaint

Giorgio Chiellini will use the international break to try to overcome a niggling injury.

Juventus confirmed the 33-year-old withdrew from the Italy squad on Monday due to an issue with the flexor muscles in his right thigh. Chiellini will therefore miss his country's upcoming friendlies against Argentina and England.

The defender suffered the setback in Saturday's surprise goalless draw at SPAL, and will be closely monitored by the Bianconeri medical staff over the next two days. Although the battle-hardened veteran is granted over a week-and-a-half to work on his rehabilitation, the challenges then come thick and fast when a league visit from AC Milan at the end of the month is followed three days later by a Champions League showdown with Real Madrid.

Chiellini has appeared in 23 of Juventus' 29 Serie A matches this season, and is contracted until the end of the current campaign.