Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini sidelined for 20 days

Chiellini in action against Lazio

Italian football champions Juventus on Monday announced that defender Giorgio Chiellini will be sidelined for 20 days due to a thigh injury.

"Having exited the field of play during the second half of Juventus' win over Empoli on Saturday evening, Giorgio Chiellini underwent tests this afternoon, which revealed a first-grade tear in the adductor longus muscle in his right thigh," Juventus said in a statement.

"The defender will be out of action for approximately 20 days."

Juventus are currently at the top of the Serie A table with 73 points from 31 matches. Second placed Napoli are six points behind Massimilano Allegri-coached Juventus.

Chiellini, 31, had made his comeback from a calf injury in over a month during Serie A game on Saturday against Empoli.

And now with the thigh injury, he is set to miss at least four games against Milan (9 April), Palermo (17 April), Lazio (20 April) and Fiorentina (25 April).