Juventus manager Thiago Motta is facing ongoing injury concerns as key players Douglas Luiz and Nico Gonzalez are set to remain sidelined for the upcoming match against Udinese. The club had hoped to have both players available for the Champions League fixture against Lille, but their return to action has been postponed.
La Gazzetta dello Sport report that Douglas Luiz is still recovering from a muscle issue and while there’s a slim chance he could be fit for the Lille match, the club is not overly optimistic. Nico Gonzalez’s return is expected to be further delayed, with the derby against Torino after the international break now targeted as a more realistic comeback date.
In light of these absences, young defender Gil Puche, born in 2006, is likely to be called up to the first team squad again for the Udinese match to help address the defensive shortage.
On a more positive note, Teun Koopmeiners is expected to increase his playing time against Udinese after making his return from a month-long layoff in the midweek game against Parma. The Dutch midfielder will continue to play with protective strapping to guard against aggravating his recently healed rib fracture.
Weston McKennie is also managing an ongoing issue with his left shoulder but is expected to continue playing through the discomfort with appropriate protection.
