Conte positive of Chiellini recovery

Juventus manager Antonio Conte believes Giorgio Chiellini will be better than ever when the centre-back overcomes his fitness issues.

The Italy international has struggled with injuries during the first-half of the Serie A campaign, and could be sidelined for up to three months with a calf problem, much to the disappointment of Conte.

“It’s a shame Chiellini’s injured, he’s a player everyone would like to have, for what he offers both on and off the field of play. He’s one of our leaders,” the Juventus trainer said at a press conference.

“But I’m convinced he’ll come back stronger than before, looking to recover as soon as possible with the help of the club’s medical staff.”

Conte then went on to discuss the fitness of Mirko Vucinic, who could miss Friday’s Serie A match against Cagliari.

“Vucinic is another player with a slight ailment. We’ll look to manage the current situation in the best possible way, perhaps it’s the first game we’ll face with a series of injury problems.”