Juventus are carrying a sizeable injury burden into the early weeks of the season, with Luciano Spalletti deprived of players whose combined estimated value approaches €200 million. The absences have narrowed his choices across the pitch, while the return dates range from the end of the international break to 2027.
The decision
Kenan Yildiz is the most significant loss. Fresh from signing a new contract, Juventus value their No. 10 at around €100 million, and he had been expected to lead the attack from the opening part of the campaign. His absence has instead required Spalletti to seek different solutions in the forward line.
There is particular care around Jeff Ekhator, who has already suffered two stoppages since the season began. The 19-year-old former Genoa player could return between late October and November, but Juventus intend to manage the closing stage of his recovery cautiously. He had been discussed as the physical centre-forward Spalletti wanted throughout the summer, and that need has only increased the importance of bringing him back without risk.
Ekhator cost Juventus a total of €18 million and is still valued at that level. He is among a group expected to be available again after November’s international window, alongside Boga, Cabal and, above all, Yildiz.
Boga’s permanent acquisition came to roughly €10 million, while Cabal represents about €7 million on the club’s accounts. Andrea Cambiaso is also nearing a return and could rejoin the squad once the current international break ends.
Not every absence will be resolved quickly. Khephren Thuram and Manuel Locatelli are not expected back until 2027. Thuram is assessed by Juventus at €35 million, with Locatelli carrying a valuation of at least €25 million.
The club have already adjusted their squad rather than simply wait for the treatment room to empty. Neto arrived to replace Grabara, who had been on loan, while Pape Sarr was added in midfield and Weston McKennie is being counted among the available central options. Any broader judgement on Teun Koopmeiners has been postponed until January.
The figures underline the technical weight of the situation more than any accounting concern. Yildiz, Thuram, Locatelli, Ekhator, Boga and Cabal represent talent Spalletti cannot currently call upon; for a side attempting to establish its rhythm across a long Serie A season, their recoveries will shape the next chapter as much as any tactical adjustment.
