Juventus have entered a demanding stretch of the season with their squad further depleted, as Lucio Spalletti loses two more players to muscle injuries sustained in the Europa League meeting with Rennes.
More absences after Rennes tie
Medical examinations at J|Medical have confirmed that Celik and Nico Gonzalez will both face time on the sidelines after picking up problems during Juventus’ European fixture against Rennes.
- Celik was withdrawn at half-time after suffering a low-grade injury to the left hamstring biceps femoris. His expected absence is around three weeks.
- Nico Gonzalez has sustained a low-grade lesion to the soleus muscle in his right calf and is likely to be unavailable for approximately one month.
- Both players have begun individual rehabilitation programmes.
The pair add to an already difficult injury situation for Spalletti, whose options have been reduced at a particularly important point in the campaign.
Spalletti faces a thin squad
With fixtures arriving every three days, Juventus must manage their resources carefully across Serie A and Europe. The shortage is especially pronounced in the wide areas, where Andrea Cambiaso and Pierre Kalulu are currently the only established options available.
The head coach may need support from the Juventus Next Gen group to keep the level of the side competitive during a congested schedule. It is a test not only of selection but of the club’s depth, with the season moving into a period in which every result can shape the wider championship picture.
November break offers hope of returns
Juventus expect some relief after the November international break, when further members of the injured group could begin to return to the pitch.
- Ekhator is among the players waiting to resume action.
- Kenan Yildiz is also expected to be considered for a return after the break.
- Francisco Conceiçao completes the list of players Juventus hope to recover in that period.
Until then, Spalletti’s task will be to guide Juventus through an unforgiving run of matches while protecting the players still available. Celik and Nico Gonzalez are now part of a longer recovery queue, leaving the coach to find solutions from a squad currently stretched to its limits.
