Bendtner set for long spell out

Juventus striker Nicklas Bendtner could be sidelined for up to three months after damaging his leg against Cagliari last night.

The on-loan Arsenal forward was forced to leave the pitch before half-time in a 1-0 Coppa Italia victory and medical tests today revealed the extent of the injury.

A statement on juventus.com read: “Nicklas Bendtner has undergone an MRI scan and ultrasound that have revealed a lesion on his left adductor tendon.

“The prognosis will become clearer after further examinations which the Danish striker will undergo in the coming days.”

Bendtner has struggled to make an impact for the Italian champions – failing to score in eight appearances – but his protracted absence will leave the Serie A leaders light on numbers up front, with only Fabio Quagliarella, Mirko Vucinic and Sebastian Giovinco available.

There was better news on midfielder Arturo Vidal, who complained of pain in his right knee during the game, with an MRI scan revealing light bruising.