Juventus star Claudio Marchisio to miss rest of season with knee injury

Juventus midfielder Claudio Marchisio will be out of action for the remainder of the season after suffering cruciate ligament damage to his knee during a training session with Italy today.

The 29-year-old has been ruled out of Saturday's Euro 2016 qualifier against Bulgaria, and according to Football Italia, it could be six months until he plays again.

In a statement released by the Italian FA, Italy doctor Enrico Castellacci said: "During the warm-up the player was believed to be suffering from just a sprain to his right knee.

"An MRI scan was performed immediately at the Fanfani Institute in Florence, which showed a rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament. After consulting with the medical staff of Juventus, it was decided that the player will return to his club for treatment."

Juventus have a 14-point lead at the top of the Serie A table.