Chiellini out of Final, no Suarez reunion
TURIN (Italy): Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini has been ruled out of the Champions league final against Barcelona because of a left calf injury, robbing the Italian side of one of its most important players.
The Italy international will miss out on a reunion with Barcelona striker luis Suarez, who bit Chiellini on the shoulder during the World Cup in Brazil last year.
Juventus says on its website that Chiellini reported discomfort in his calf on Wednesday, and a scan revealed he has torn a muscle.
Andrea Barzagli, who appears to have recovered from a muscle injury sustained against Napoli 10 days ago, is Chiellini’s likely replacement. Another option to pair with leonardo Bonucci at center back could be Angelo Ogbonna.
Stephan lichtsteiner and Patrice Evra are the likely starters at fullback.
Barcelona name full squad
BARCElONA (Spain): Barcelona coach luis Enrique has named a 26-man squad to travel to Berlin for Saturday’s Champions league Final.
The Spanish champions appear to have a fully fit group, with Andres Iniesta traveling despite tweaking a right-leg muscle during last Saturday’s 3-1 win over Athletic Bilbao in the Copa del Rey Final.
Iniesta said on Tuesday that the possibility of not being ready to play Juventus for the European Cup “doesn’t cross my mind.”
luis Enrique is expected to stick with his first-choice 11 of lionel Messi, luis Suarez and Neymar in attack, supported by Iniesta, Ivan Rakitic and Sergio Busquets in midfield.
The defense is likely to be Jordi Alba, Javier Mascherano, Gerard Pique and Dani Alves, with Marc-Andre ter Stegen in goal.