Juventus striker Del Piero out of Arsenal clash

ROME, Mar 26 (Reuters) Striker Alessandro Del Piero has been left out of Juventus's squad for Tuesday's Champions League match against Arsenal after suffering a thigh injury.

The 31-year-old Italy international, who limped off clutching his left thigh after 15 minutes yesterday's 1-1 draw with Serie A rivals AS Roma, had been expected to start the quarter-final first leg in London alongside David Trezeguet.

His place will be taken by Swedish international Zlatan Ibrahimovic, whose erratic recent form has led to him starting more and more frequently on the bench.

Del Piero's injury is a big setback for the Serie A leaders, who are already missing midfielder Pavel Nedved through suspension.

Del Piero has been in superb form this season, scoring three times in seven Champions League appearances and 10 goals in 26 Serie A matches -- many after coming on as a substitute -- to replace Giampiero Boniperti as the club's all-time leading scorer.

The injury is not expected to keep him out of the return leg at Turin's Stadio delle Alpi on April 5.

Reuters OM BD2207