Juventus have confirmed that defender Leonardo Bonucci could be out of action for anything up to 60 days.

The Italian international was stretchered off during Juve’s surprise 3-1 defeat to Genoa at the weekend and the club have now confirmed the worst, issuing the following statement on his condition:

“Today’s tests confirmed that Bonucci is set to be on the sidelines for between 45 and 60 days after straining the biceps femoris muscle in his left thigh. The expected recovery period may be revised in light of ongoing assessment of the Italian. “

Bonucci joins Andrea Barzagli on the sidelines, limiting the defensive options of Coach Max Allegri and hampering Juve’s title defence.

Dani Alves was also injured in the same match and has been diagnosed with a fracture to the left fibula and could be out for anything between 2-4 months.

Juve have been hit with a series of injuries since the start of the season, causing some to doubt their bid for a record-breaking sixth consecutive Serie A title.

Paulo Dybala has been out of action since tearing a thigh muscle in Juve’s 1-0 loss to Milan in week 9 – An injury that has kept him out of action for almost 2 months. The Argentine striker is expected to be back in the squad for Juve’s next match against Atalanta but there’s no word yet on whether or not he will be ready to start.

Meanwhile, Croatian winger Marko Pjaca is still recovering from a cracked fibula he sustained while on duty with the national side. While initial reports put the recovery time at 6 weeks, it was since revealed that the injury was worse than expected and could keep him out of action for a further 3 weeks. Pjaca is now expected to return to the squad in time for Juve’s Super Cup showdown with AC Milan in Doha, Qatar.

Andrea Barzagli is also suffering from a long-term injury and is expected to return to the team in December, having dislocated his shoulder in Juve’s 2-1 victory over Chievo.