Abbiati shock for Milan ahead of Juve clash

AC Milan suffered a serious setback minutes prior to their clash against Juventus on Sunday after goalkeeper Christian Abbiati, pictured in 2011, suffered a back injury.

MILAN, Italy - AC Milan suffered a serious setback minutes prior to their clash here against Juventus on Sunday after goalkeeper Christian Abbiati suffered a back injury.

Abbiati was warming up with the squad when he sustained the knock, ruling him out of the game. Milan said he will be replaced by number two keeper Marco Amelia.

Milan’s San Siro ground has witnessed a full house of nearly 80,000 people for the first time this season for the visit of Serie A leaders and champions Juventus.

Milan sit in the bottom half of the table following a disastrous start to the season.

A Juventus win on Sunday will give the Turin side a seven-point lead over second placed Inter Milan, who travel to Parma on Monday.