Juventus winger Federico Bernardeschi is a major doubt for his side’s Champions League last-16 second-leg clash with Tottenham Hotspur, according to Italian football website Calciomercato.com.
The Italy international came off the bench to replace Gonzalo Higuain in a Serie A fixture with Torino at the weekend, but was substituted himself deep in the second half with a knee problem.
Although the Old Lady secured a vital 1-0 victory to remain within touching distance of league leaders Napoli, Bernardeschi’s withdrawal will have put a dampener on any celebrations.
If the 24-year-old is ruled out for between three weeks and a month as expected, he will miss the tie against Spurs at Wembley.
Bernardeschi impressed in the first leg, winning the penalty that Higuain converted to put Juve two goals ahead before the 10 minute mark.
He also went close to scoring himself in the second period when his curling effort was tipped wide by Lilywhites stopper Hugo Lloris.
Naturally left-footed, Bernardeschi thrived at Fiorentina after coming up through the youth academy and even scored against Tottenham in a Europa League clash in February 2016.
Following a big-money move to Turin last summer, he has an impressive record of five goals and seven assists in his 26 appearances across all competitions this term, only eight of which have been starts.
However, the number 33’s form has seen him play a more significant role since the turn of the year and he earned a place in the line-up for the first leg last week.
Bernardeschi caused problems for Ben Davies as he drifted in from his favoured right-wing position onto the Welshman’s weaker side, as well as drawing the foul from the full-back for Higuain’s first spot-kick.
With Spurs protecting a slim away-goal advantage after the thrilling 2-2 draw at the Allianz Stadium, this latest injury gives manager Massimiliano Allegri one less offensive option and reduces the chances of the Italians springing a tactical surprise on March 7.
There is still plenty for the North Londoners to think about, not least the return of Argentine superstar Paulo Dybala, but it looks as though Bernardeschi will not feature.