Juventus injury crisis continues as 9 players miss Lecce clash | OneFootball

Juventus coach Thiago Motta confirms nine Bianconeri are unavailable for tomorrow’s game against Lecce, including Dusan Vlahovic, so he will promote five players from the youth sector.

Juventus are preparing for an away Serie A game against Lecce with many unavailable players.

The Old Lady’s boss Thiago Motta provided the latest team news at a pre-match press conference on Saturday, starting with unavailable players: “Gleison [Bremer], Nico [Gonzalez], Arek [Milik], Douglas [Luiz], Vasilije [Adžić], Juan [Cabal], Dusan [Vlajovic, Savo [Nicolò Savona] and Weston [McKennie].”

Vlahovic already missed the previous two matches against Milan and Aston Villa, but his return date is still uncertain.

“Dusan is not available. He and other players have all the desire in the world to be on the pitch and help the team,” said Motta.

“Right now, he’s not available, so we’ll see for the next games.

Juventus injury crisis continues as 9 players miss Lecce clash

Juventus’s Dusan Vlahovic (C) in action with Udinese’s Jaka Bijol (L) and Enzo Ebosse during the Italian Serie A soccer match between Udinese Calcio and Juventus FC, in Udine, Italy, 02 November 2024. EPA-EFE/Ettore Griffoni

“We are focused on Lecce. We work with those available while waiting for those who are out and will be available in the future.”

Motta said last week that the number of injuries was “not casual,” so he was asked whether he was referring to Juventus or other teams, too.

“It was a general thing,” Motta clarified.

“All teams are having these injuries. Some teams more and others less, but as I already said, things won’t change, and I am entirely focused on who is available.”

The Juventus injury crisis will force Motta to call Next Gen and U19 players to the first squad for tomorrow’s game at Lecce.

The youth players called up are: “Alfonso [Montero], Filippo [Pagnucco], Augusto [Owusu], Diego [Ripani] and Christos [Papadopoulos],” said Motta.

“I want to see many things and be consistent in what we are doing. We need great performance in all aspects. We need more chances to achieve a result,” continued the Bianconeri boss.

“We’ll see who starts tomorrow. We are focused on Lecce, and we’ll have time to prepare for the other matches.

“I have complete trust in my players. Those available will perform well, so each of us must give something more to help the team. This is what we do every day.”

Lecce recently changed their coach, and Marco Giampaolo won his first game in charge of the Giallorossi this past weekend.

“They’ve already won a game. A new coach always brings enthusiasm,” noted Motta.

“Those who didn’t play much can start from scratch, so positive things are created in the team, as you saw against Venezia. They played well, regardless of the win. Venezia also played well.

“The coach [Giampaolo] organises the team well. They’ll push and be eager to make us struggle. I think they’ll press high.”