Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci will likely miss Juventus’ Serie A clash against Napoli, so Matthijs de Ligt and Daniele Rugani are the only centre-backs available for the Old Lady.
Chiellini tested positive for COVID during the Christmas break, while Bonucci suffered a mild muscle injury and didn’t participate in today’s training session at Continassa.
“Leonardo Bonucci, who in recent days reported fatigue in his left thigh, was today subjected to diagnostic tests at J | Medical that did not reveal any lesions. His condition will be monitored day by day,” Juventus statement read.
The Bianconeri return to the pitch on Thursday, hosting Napoli at the Allianz Stadium and with both Chiellini and Bonucci out of action, De Ligt and Rugani are the only central defenders available for Massimiliano Allegri.
Danilo has also been forced to the sidelines and won’t return to action before mid-January.
Rugani has only played four games this season, three in the Champions League and one in Serie A.
De Ligt is one of the regular starters at the Allianz Stadium, with 20 appearances across all competitions.
They are tipped to start against Napoli on Thursday night if neither Bonucci nor Chiellini recover in time for the game.
Napoli are also dealing with many absentees with Hirving Lozano, Eljif Elmas and Victor Osimhen positive for COVID and Kalidou Koulibaly on international duty with Senegal.
Kevin Malcuit and Andrea Petagna have been self-isolating after coming into contact with a person positive for COVID but are expected to be available against Juventus.