Juventus have been dealt a double injury blow following their draw against Rennes. Medical examinations carried out on Friday, October 23, confirmed muscle injuries for Zeki Celik and Nico Gonzalez, with both players having already begun their rehabilitation programmes.
The club has not announced how long either player will be out. According to Tuttosport and Sky Sport, both are expected to return after the November international break.
Celik Goes from Goalscorer to Forced Substitution
Celik started Thursday’s match against Rennes, on October 22, and gave Juventus the lead in the fifth minute. However, he was unable to continue after the break due to muscular discomfort. Pierre Kalulu replaced him at the start of the second half.
Juventus eventually drew the Europa League match 2–2, while the goalscorer was sent for further medical examinations.
Tests at the J|Medical centre revealed a low-grade injury to the biceps femoris muscle in his left leg, part of the hamstring group. Celik immediately began his rehabilitation programme.
Gonzalez Came Off the Bench Before Experiencing Discomfort After the Match
Nico Gonzalez was not included in the starting lineup. Spalletti brought him on in the 60th minute in place of Federico Gatti, and the Argentine remained on the pitch until the final whistle. According to
Juventus’ official statement, Gonzalez reported muscular discomfort after the game. The club did not specify the exact moment or action in which the injury occurred. Medical examinations confirmed a low-grade injury to the soleus muscle in his right leg, located in the calf. He has also begun rehabilitation.
Celik and Gonzalez Could Miss Five Matches
Juventus have not specified return dates in their official medical update. Tuttosport estimates that both players could be available again after the November international break, potentially ruling them out of matches against Lecce, Genoa, Napoli, AZ Alkmaar and Fiorentina.
Sky Sport has reported a similar recovery timeframe. However, these remain media estimates, and the players’ actual return dates will depend on their progress during rehabilitation.
Yildiz Expected Back in November, Ekator Also Closing In on a Return
Spalletti is also waiting for Kenan Yildiz, who is recovering following surgery for a fracture at the base of the fifth metatarsal in his left foot. According to Sky Sport’s report on October 23, his return is expected after the November international break, in the second half of November.
Jeff Ekator is recovering from a moderate injury to the semitendinosus muscle in his right hamstring. His return is projected during November, although no specific date has been confirmed. Francisco Conceicao is also expected to return after the international break. He has been sidelined by a dislocated left shoulder.
Conceição sidelined with shoulder injury, return expected after November break
Francisco Conceição is recovering from a dislocated left shoulder. Following medical examinations, Juventus opted for conservative treatment without surgery, and the Portuguese winger is continuing his rehabilitation.
According to Sky Sport’s latest update, he is expected to return after the November international break. An exact date has yet to be confirmed and will depend on his recovery. His absence further limits Spalletti’s options on the right wing.
Locatelli and Thuram Not Expected Back Until 2027
Juventus will have to wait considerably longer for Manuel Locatelli and Khephren Thuram. Locatelli underwent surgery on the lateral meniscus in his right knee following his injury against AC Milan.
Sky Sport places his expected return between February and March 2027, with an estimated recovery period of around five to six months. Thuram continues his rehabilitation following surgery for a cartilage problem in his right knee. His return is expected in early 2027, although no confirmed date has been provided.
Spalletti Faces Another Selection Dilemma
The absence of Celik and Gonzalez further reduces Juventus’ options in the wide areas and attacking rotation. As a result, the Bianconeri face their upcoming run of fixtures with less room to rest players and make changes during matches.
Their next challenge is an away fixture against Lecce, followed by further commitments in Serie A and the Europa League. While waiting for players to return in November, Spalletti will have to find the right balance between results, available squad options and the physical demands on those who remain fit.
Sources: Juventus
