In a significant setback for Juventus, defender Pierre Kalulu was forced to leave the field during their crucial Champions League match against Benfica due to a muscle injury. The incident occurred early in the game, adding to the mounting defensive concerns for manager Thiago Motta.
Kalulu, who has been a key figure in Juventus’ backline this season, showed signs of discomfort and was unable to continue playing. Motta had no choice but to make an early substitution, bringing on Manuel Locatelli to fill the void left by the French defender.
This injury comes as a blow to Juventus, who are already grappling with a defensive crisis. The team has previously lost center-backs Gleison Bremer and Juan Cabal to season-ending injuries, severely limiting their options at the back.
The timing of Kalulu’s injury could not have been worse for the Bianconeri, as they face a critical period in their Champions League campaign. With the team fighting for a favourable position in the knockout stages, the loss of another defensive stalwart puts additional pressure on Motta to reorganize his tactics and personnel.
