Juventus manager Thiago Motta is facing a growing list of injury concerns as the team prepares to resume their Serie A campaign. La Gazzetta dello Sport report how the international break has brought new challenges for the Bianconeri, with key players picking up injuries while on national team duty.
Nico Gonzalez, the Argentine winger, was forced to leave the field after 51 minutes during Argentina’s World Cup qualifier against Chile due to a problem with his left leg. His availability for Juventus’ upcoming match against Empoli on September 14th is now in serious doubt.
Adding to Motta’s worries, Francisco Conceição has been sidelined with a muscle injury sustained during training. The Portuguese player is expected to be out for at least a month, potentially missing crucial matches against Empoli, PSV in the Champions League, Napoli, and Genoa. His return could be delayed until the Cagliari fixture on October 6th.
These new setbacks compound existing injury issues within the squad. Arkadiusz Milik, who underwent meniscus surgery before the Euros, is still in recovery. However, there’s optimism that the Polish striker could return for the Napoli game on September 21st.
Timothy Weah and Khephren Thuram, both of whom left the field during the second half of Juventus’ season opener against Como, are dealing with biceps femoris problems. The club is hopeful they will be fit to face Empoli after the international break.
Filip Kostic, who seems to be out of favour in Motta’s plans, is also in the treatment room with a left knee ligament injury suffered in June.
