Injury Woes Mount for Juventus
Juventus is currently grappling with an extensive injury crisis, significantly impacting their squad depth, particularly in midfield. The club faces the upcoming Serie A fixture against Sassuolo with nine first-team players sidelined [1]. Among the most significant absentees is midfielder Manuel Locatelli, who underwent meniscus surgery and is expected to be out for five to six months [2]. This is a major blow to the team’s central operations. Similarly, Khéphren Thuram is also a long-term absentee, having undergone knee surgery for patellofemoral syndrome, which will keep him out for several months, potentially until January 2027 [3]. His absence was so impactful that he was left out of Juventus’ Serie A squad list following his surgery [4].
Further compounding the injury list, young forward Kenan Yildiz is out with a fractured foot and is expected to return at the end of November 2026 [3]. Jérémie Boga is also unavailable, suffering a medium-grade lesion to the femoral bicep in his left thigh, sidelining him for at least a month, possibly up to five weeks [2]. Other players on the treatment table include Juan Cabal and Jeff Ekhator, both dealing with muscle injuries, and Pape Sarr, who is still recovering [2]. Andrea Cambiaso and Weston McKennie are also being monitored day by day for a twisted ankle and muscle fatigue, respectively, making their participation doubtful [3]. The sheer volume of injuries has led to the promotion of academy product Augusto Sedorf Owusu to the first team to provide cover [4].
Squad Adjustments and New Faces
In response to the significant number of injuries, Juventus has had to make several adjustments to their squad. The promotion of academy player Augusto Sedorf Owusu to the first team highlights the extent of the midfield crisis, with the club opting for internal solutions rather than immediate free agent signings [4]. Despite initial reports suggesting Douglas Luiz and Teun Koopmeiners were expected to start in central midfield [1], later updates cast doubt on Koopmeiners’ availability for the Sassuolo match [5]. This further complicates the midfield selection for the upcoming game.
The club has also been active in the transfer market, bringing in new talent. Guglielmo Vicario joined from Tottenham, and Randal Kolo Muani was signed from PSG [6]. Additionally, Kerim Alajbegović, a €35m signing from Bayer Leverkusen, has been nominated for the 2026 Kopa Trophy, indicating a focus on future talent [7]. The loan of Nico Gonzalez was retained specifically due to Kenan Yildiz’s injury, demonstrating how the current injury situation is influencing squad decisions [6]. Juventus is expected to play with a 4-3-3 formation, a tactical approach that will need to adapt to the available personnel [5].
Early Season Performance and Outlook
Despite the significant injury challenges, Juventus has managed a relatively positive start to their Serie A campaign. In their opening three matches, the team has secured two wins and one draw, scoring four goals and conceding only one. This defensive solidity, even with key players out, suggests a resilient core within the squad [6]. Their recent results include a 1-1 draw at home against AC Milan, a 2-0 home victory over Parma Calcio 1913, and a 1-0 away win against Frosinone Calcio. These results place them in 6th position in Serie A with 7 points.
The upcoming fixture against Sassuolo will be a crucial test of their ability to navigate these personnel issues. The team’s ability to maintain their defensive record while finding goals will be paramount. The return of players like Weston McKennie, who has undergone successful surgery and is now fit [5], could provide a timely boost, although many others remain out for the long term. The club’s management and coaching staff face the challenge of integrating new signings and academy prospects while maintaining competitive performance in the league.
What it means
Juventus currently sits in 6th place in Serie A with 7 points from three games, reflecting a solid start to the season with two wins and one draw. Their impressive goal difference of +3 (4 goals scored, 1 conceded) indicates a strong defensive foundation. The recent form shows a resilient team, having drawn against AC Milan and secured two wins before that. This suggests that despite the extensive injury list, the squad has found ways to perform. The next fixture, an away game against Sassuolo, will be a significant test. Given the current injury crisis, particularly in midfield, maintaining their unbeaten run will require a concerted effort from the available players and tactical adaptability from the coaching staff. The site’s forecast for this match will be locked 24 hours before kick-off, providing further insight into the expected outcome.
Sources
- Football Italia: How Juventus could line up against Sassuolo amid injury crisis football-italia.net ↩
- Football Italia: Juventus confirm Locatelli surgery and new Boga injury diagnosis football-italia.net ↩
- Football Italia: Juventus injury updates: When will Yildiz, Locatelli, Thuram and McKennie return? football-italia.net ↩
- Football Italia: Report Juventus prefer academy product over new signing amid injury crisis football-italia.net ↩
- Football Italia: Today’s Papers – Big Inter gifts, Juventus in trouble football-italia.net ↩
- Football Italia: Positive Juventus start despite injury concerns football-italia.net ↩
- Football Italia: Juventus ace Alajbegovic nominated for best young player at 2026 Ballon d’Or football-italia.net ↩