Juventus star Angel Di Maria’s World Cup chances are in danger after the Argentinian sustained a muscle injury in the Champions League.
To make things worse for Juve, Tuesday’s result means they’ve slipped closer to dropping out of the Champions League and into the Europa League following a shock 2-0 defeat to minnows Maccabi Haifa.
As his side lost 1-0 to Israeli, Di Maria ran in midfield after a pass.
The ex-Manchester United star stopped his run, and he began to clutch his right thigh. He shook his head at the bench, and then limped off, looking visibly emotional. He wiped his eyes with his shirt.
It is also worrying for his prospects with Argentina in the World Cup, which is likely to be his last. Qatari competition just over a year away.
The 34-year-old’s injury was just one blow in what was a disappointing night for Juve. Omer Atzili scored the goal for the Israeli Premier League side after seven minutes.
And before half-time arrived, the Italian side found themselves 2-0 down, with Atzili at it again – rounding off a dominant half for the home side.
Juventus were unable to find the net as the home side – who are bottom of Group H – secured their first win of the tournament.
Meanwhile, Group H’s other teams Paris Saint-Germain and Benfica face off against each other at Le Parc des Princes shortly after the tie, and Juve are not mathematically out of the competition yet.
Given both sides are already on 7 points respectively compared to Juve and Maccabi Haifa’s 3, though, Massimiliano Allegri’s team’s chances of staying in the Champions League look slim.
Paul Pogba could now join the competition with his former club, Juventus, after he left Man United.
