27.11.2016 20:38 h

Juve's Alves suffers shin fracture

Dani Alves added to Juventus's injury woes on Sunday after suffering a shin bone fracture during the Italian champions' shock 3-1 defeat to Genoa that reports suggest could sideline him for three months.

Former Barcelona star Alves went in for a late challenge at the Luigi Ferraris Stadium and came off worst, suffering "a compound fracture of the shin bone in his left leg," according to a brief statement by Juventus.

"He will be evaluated on Monday," it added.

Juventus, aiming for a record sixth consecutive Serie A title, were already without experienced defenders Andrea Barzagli and Giorgio Chiellini, prompting coach Massimiliano Allegri to deploy an untried back three composed of Leonardo Bonucci, Mehdi Benatia and Swiss wing-back Stephan Lichtsteiner.

Bonucci was forced off after 33 minutes and replaced with Daniele Rugani after suffering the latest of several knocks this season.

The Italy international, a reported target for Premier League leaders Chelsea, is however expected to return quickly.

"He received a knock to his left thigh, and he too will be evaluated tomorrow (Monday)," added the statement.

Juve's third defeat of the Serie A campaign has left the Turin giants just four points ahead of AC Milan, while Roma can also reduce the gap to four points with a home win against Pescara later on Sunday.