Juventus defender Demiral out for rest of season

Turkey’s promising central defender Merih Demiral has been ruled out for at least six months due to an injury to his left knee.

Juventus defender Merih Demiral will miss the rest of the 2019-2020 Serie A campaign, according to the statement released by the club.

The 21-year-old underwent surgery in Innsbruck, Austria on Tuesday to repair the anterior cruciate ligament and lateral meniscus in his left knee.

“Earlier this evening, Merih Demiral underwent reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament and suture of the lateral meniscus of the left knee. The time required for an optimal recovery is 6-7 months,” the statement on their website said.

The young Turkish international picked up the injury during Juventus’ clash with AS ROma on Sunday, during which he scored in the third minute of the duel but was subsequently substituted due to the injury.

The estimated recovery time has all but ruled out his participation in the upcoming EURO 2020 tournament scheduled for the summer.

Turkey has been drawn in Group A alongside Italy, Switzerland and Wales.