Juventus have suffered another major blow just days after the summer transfer window closed. Manuel Locatelli injured his knee during the 1-1 draw with Milan, with initial reports pointing to an issue involving the lateral meniscus.
The Bianconeri captain experienced discomfort on the outside of his right knee after the match, prompting the club to schedule detailed medical examinations. What initially appeared to be an issue whose severity was yet to be determined developed into a much more serious concern over the following hours.
LOCATELLI HAS A PROBLEM WITH HIS LATERAL MENISCUS
According to reports from the Italian media, examinations have indicated an injury to the lateral meniscus, with surgery now considered a serious possibility. Sky Sport reports that surgery is the most likely scenario, while Locatelli is undergoing a specialist examination to determine the final diagnosis, the appropriate treatment and, consequently, the exact recovery time.
Tuttosport goes a step further, reporting that the solution could involve repairing the meniscus with sutures, which represents a more secure way of treating the injury but, at the same time, requires a significantly longer rehabilitation period.
MOMBLANO: LOCATELLI COULD BE OUT FOR THREE TO FOUR MONTHS
According to Luca Momblano, the current indications point to a problem with the lateral meniscus and a possible recovery period of as long as three to four months. Tuttosport reports a similar scenario, stating that if the meniscus is repaired with sutures, Locatelli would be sidelined for at least three months. Football Italia also reports an estimated three-month absence should the Juventus captain undergo that type of procedure. However, Juventus have not yet officially announced the final diagnosis or the expected period of absence, so the estimate of three to four months should currently be treated as a media scenario rather than a definitively established recovery timeline.
SPALLETTI WITHOUT ANOTHER KEY PLAYER
A potentially lengthy absence for Locatelli would represent a huge problem for Luciano Spalletti.
Not only because of his role as captain, but also because Locatelli is one of the central figures in Juventus’ midfield. All of this is happening just one week after the summer transfer window closed, meaning the club no longer has the possibility of simply addressing the problem through a standard transfer from another club. The situation becomes even more serious when considering the players who are already sidelined.
YILDIZ ALREADY UNDERWENT SURGERY – JUVENTUS WITHOUT THEIR NUMBER 10
The first major blow arrived on August 31. Kenan Yildiz underwent surgery for a fracture at the base of the fifth metatarsal in his left foot, with Juventus confirming that the procedure in Augsburg was successful. The club did not announce a precise return date at the time, while Italian media estimated that he could be sidelined for approximately two and a half to three months.
THURAM UNDERWENT SURGERY – RETURN EXPECTED ONLY IN 2027
Just a few days later, even worse news arrived for the midfield. Khéphren Thuram underwent surgery on his right knee in Lyon, specifically a chondroplasty procedure due to an issue involving the patellar cartilage. On September 3, Juventus officially confirmed that the surgery had been successful and that the Frenchman had begun his rehabilitation. JOFC Serbia has already reported on the seriousness of his injury and his expected multi-month absence.
If the worst-case scenario for Locatelli is confirmed, Juventus would effectively lose Yildiz, Thuram and Locatelli for extended periods within the space of just a few days.
The situation in midfield is particularly concerning. Thuram has already undergone surgery, Locatelli could now potentially face an operation of his own, while Weston McKennie has also not been fully fit in recent weeks. Juventus already had as many as seven unavailable players against Milan.
The arrival of Pape Matar Sarr on the final day of the transfer window now takes on even greater significance. The Senegal international was brought in to provide additional strength in midfield, but given the new circumstances, he could very quickly be handed far greater responsibility than initially expected.
JUVENTUS MUST “REORGANIZE” IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE TRANSFER WINDOW
It is precisely because of everything mentioned above that Momblano warns Juventus must be seriously reassessed and reorganized just days after the transfer window closed.
Spalletti has effectively only just received the final version of his squad, yet he must already search for new solutions without several players who were expected to be key figures in his system.
Juventus also face commitments in both Serie A and the Europa League, meaning the depth of the squad will very quickly be put to a serious test.Now, everyone is waiting for the most important information – the doctors’ final decision regarding Locatelli and the official assessment of how long the Bianconeri captain will be sidelined.
Sources: Sky Sport Italia, Tuttosport, Luca Momblano, Juventus
