The Evening Standard's journalism is supported by our readers. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini has been ruled out of Saturday’s Champions League final because of a torn calf muscle.
The Italy international pulled up in training yesterday and his absence is a big blow to Juve’s chances of thwarting Barcelona’s attacking trio of Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez.
It means the much-anticipated clash with Suarez, their first since the Uruguay striker bit the centre‑half at last year’s World Cup, will not take place.
Suarez’s four-month ban expired at the end of October and since then the 28-year-old has hit top form, helping fire Barca to the brink of a Treble.
In the semi-finals, Barcelona got the better of their old boss Pep Guardiola as they knocked out Bayern Munich 5-3 on aggregate.
Champions League Final Combined XI
The damage was done in the first leg when Messi inspired the Spanish champions to a 3-0 win.
However, Javier Mascherano does not think that was the best display by Messi or Barcelona in this season’s Champions League.
Instead, the Barca midfielder has gone for the 2-1 victory away to Manchester City in the last 16. “It was a great first-half performance,” said Mascherano. “Messi was unbelievable. I think those were among the best 45 minutes I’ve seen him play.
“He played out of his skin and we dominated Manchester City in every department.”
Barcelona are favourites to lift the European Cup for the fifth time but Mascherano said: “Juventus have lots of variety and that makes them very difficult to play against.
“They have that Italian competitive edge.”
