Italian champions Juventus have been dealt a massive blow after their German defender Benedikt Howedes​ was ruled out of action for four weeks after suffering a strain in his left leg.

The 29-year old World Cup winner suffered the injury, which has been classed as a grade 1-2 strain by the Old Lady, during Thursday’s training and is now set to miss his side’s crucial Serie A games with Lazio and Atalanta as well as UEFA Champions League (UCL) games against Olympiacos and Sporting Lisbon.

Confirming the news, a statement from the club’s official website said: “During Thursday’s training session, Benedikt Höwedes sustained a thigh strain in his left leg affecting an area of scar tissue from a previous injury”

“Initial examinations suggest it is a Grade 1-2 strain and the estimated recovery time is around four weeks.

 

“A more precise recovery time will be established in due course following daily monitoring of the player and further diagnostic tests.” the statement further added.