Milan (AFP) – Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini could miss the Serie A title holders’ Champions League opener against Barcelona because of a calf muscle injury, the Italian club said on Saturday.

Centre-back Chiellini took a knock during training with Italy on Friday and was ruled out of World Cup qualifiers with Spain and Israel.

The 33-year-old has since returned to Turin and although Juventus said the injury is not believed to be serious it would need “further monitoring in the coming days”.

A team statement added it could force him to miss the Serie A game with Chievo on September 9 and the European clash against Barcelona at the Camp Nou three days later.

Two-time European champions Juventus lost the 2017 Champions League final 4-1 to Real Madrid in Cardiff in June.