Locatelli set to become the latest Juventus star to be sidelined for a long time | OneFootball

Manuel Locatelli is set to undergo surgery and could be out of action for a long time, adding to Juventus’ growing injury problems just a month into the new season. The Bianconeri have already suffered setbacks involving several important players, leaving the squad under increasing pressure.

Juventus have already lost Kenan Yildiz for more than two months, while Khephren Thuram is expected to be sidelined for the rest of 2026. The situation has made it clear that the Bianconeri need to find a way to avoid further injuries if they are to maintain their competitiveness.

Juventus face another major setback

The club tried to strengthen the squad during the summer, but Luciano Spalletti did not get all the players he wanted. As a result, he cannot afford to lose more members of his current squad, particularly with injuries affecting some of the team’s main players.

Those absences have also changed the importance of players Juventus had previously told to leave. With several first-choice options unavailable, some of those players have been given more opportunities because the club has been forced to use them in matches.

Locatelli is particularly important because he is the team captain and has been a mainstay of the squad over the last few seasons. His absence would therefore leave Juventus without one of their most experienced and established players at an important stage of the campaign.

(Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)

Locatelli surgery could keep him out for months

However, Gianluca Di Marzio says Locatelli could be set for surgery, which would mean he is sidelined for several months. If that happens, Juventus will have to find another starter to fill the role left by their captain.

That would represent a significant blow for the Bianconeri, especially after already losing Kenan Yildiz and Khephren Thuram. Spalletti will need to manage the situation carefully while making the most of the players who remain available.

Juventus will hope Locatelli’s situation becomes clearer soon, but if he is forced to miss several months, the Bianconeri could face a difficult period. The growing number of injuries has already tested their squad depth, and another long-term absence could make their season considerably harder.