Claudio Marchisio is set to miss Italy’s Euro 2016 qualifier with Bulgaria and possibly the rest of the domestic season after suffering a cruciate ligament injury.

The Italian midfielder was injured during training at the national team’s training base in Coverciano and Azzurri doctors have confirmed the worst.

RAI and Tuttosport initially reported that Marchisio had suffered cruciate ligament injury which would result in a lengthy spell on the side-lines.

That news was later confirmed in a statement by the Italian FA.

“During the warm-up the player was believed to be suffering from just a sprain to his right knee,” Italy doctor Enrico Castellacci said in a statement released earlier today

“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.”

Due to the nature of the injury, Marchisio could spend anything up to six months on the side-lines.

Juventus are already without Paul Pogba who will miss 50 days of the remaining season, and most importantly, the Bianconeri’s Champions League Quarter Final game against Monaco.