Juve Dismiss Phantom Marchisio Knee Injury

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Serie A champions Juventus have played down the extent of a knee injury suffered by Claudio Marchisio after the midfielder was sidelined by Italy medical staff who claimed his season was over.

Marchisio was ruled out of Saturday's Euro 2016 qualifier away to Bulgaria after undergoing an MRI scan which revealed a torn anterior cruciate knee ligament inury. He was expected to be out for up to six months.

However the Juve midfielder could return to competition within a matter of weeks after Juventus announced the injury is not as bad as first thought.

"After returning from international duty on Friday afternoon, Claudio Marchisio underwent medical examinations conducted by Juventus’ club doctors and Dr. Flavio Quaglia," said a club statement.

"The 29-year-old then underwent an MRI scan on his right knee this evening (Friday). The tests, supervised by Dr. Carlo Faletti at Turin’s Fornaca Clinic, ruled positive, excluding the possibility of a tear to the anterior cruciate ligament.

"Marchisio will now rest and his condition is to be monitored on a day-to-day basis."

Italy doctor Enrico Castellacci had said on Friday morning that Marchisio "suffered a right knee injury by himself during a warm-up" during training session.

"He immediately underwent a MRI (magnetic resonance image) scan which revealed a partially torn anterior cruciate ligament injury."

Although Marchisio will be ruled out of Saturday's game in Sofia as well as a friendly against England in Turin on Wednesday, the player could return in a matter of weeks as Juventus look to seal a fourth consecutive Serie A crown.

He admitted he welcomed the dramatic turnaround in fortune.

"I received so many good luck wishes from people, but it turns out the situation is a lot better than we imagined!" Marchisio said in a Twitter post.

Juventus hold a 14-point lead over closest challengers Roma with 10 games remaining in the season.

Italy, meanwhile, sit joint top of their Euro 2016 qualifying group with Croatia, having won three games and drawn one.

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