Manuel Locatelli set for lengthy lay-off after knee injury | OneFootball

Juventus captain Manuel Locatelli is set for a lengthy spell out after sustaining a serious knee injury, leaving manager Luciano Spalletti short as the injury list grows.

The 28-year-old was hurt during Sunday’s draw with AC Milan at the Allianz Stadium, and post-match tests revealed significant damage to his external meniscus. Juventus have chosen a repair rather than removal of the affected tissue. Tuttosport reports that the preferred option is a meniscus suture, with a recovery time of at least three months, likely ruling him out until the winter break.

The timing is bleak for Juventus, with midfield options already stretched. Khephren Thuram is out long term after surgery for femoro-patellar syndrome and is not expected to return until 2027.

United States international Weston McKennie has missed the last two fixtures due to persistent muscular fatigue. Summer signing Pape Sarr arrived from Tottenham Hotspur with a minor muscular issue and limited pre-season, so has yet to be integrated into the starting eleven.

Further forward, Kenan Yildiz remains a long-term absentee after foot surgery and is not anticipated back until after the November international break. Locatelli’s absence further reduces Juventus’s supply from deep.

Defensive depth is also under strain. Jeff Ekhator and Juan Cabal are sidelined for roughly another month, while Andrea Cambiaso has a minor ankle sprain, and there is hope he can return sooner.

Source: Goal.com

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”