Ogbonna, Balotelli hamstring concerns

By Football Italia staff

Angelo Ogbonna and Mario Balotelli are both struggling with minor hamstring injuries, Italy’s team doctor has revealed.

The pair are currently at Coverciano with the rest of the Italy squad as the Azzurri prepare to face Croatia in a Euro 2016 qualifier, followed by a friendly with Albania.

Ogbonna had been out-of-action for Juventus in the weeks leading up to the game, and Enrico Castellacci says the defender has a slight hamstring injury.

“Yesterday Ogbonna felt a slight hamstring strain,” the Italy chief medic told journalists ahead of the Croatia game.

“We ran some tests, and an MRI came back negative. An ultrasound showed a little bit of swelling.

“We repeated the tests to get a better idea of the situation, the MRI today showed no muscular problems.

“But the lad had a strain, and we decided it was important to get a proper evaluation of the boy.

“This afternoon there will be a fitness test and we’ll see how the muscle reacts. If there are no problems he’ll stay with us [the national team], if there are he’ll leave [to return to Juventus].

“He doesn’t have a serious injury, and either way he should recover quickly.”

Castellacci also revealed that Liverpool striker Mario Balotelli was battling a similar complaint.

“He has a small hamstring problem. However, he’s not likely to have to leave the squad.”

Ogbonna’s place in the back-three on Sunday is seen as a straight race between Matteo Darmian and Emiliano Moretti.

Probable Italy XI to face Croatia: Buffon; Moretti, Ranocchia, Chiellini; Darmian, De Rossi, Marchisio, Candreva, De Sciglio; Zaza, Immobile

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