Arek Milik’s attempt to reclaim a place in Juventus’ season has suffered another interruption, with the Polish forward sidelined by a fresh muscular problem. The issue is thought to be fatigue rather than a serious injury, but it extends a difficult run that has left him outside both Juventus’ Serie A and UEFA squads.
A difficult cycle since 2024
- Milik’s prolonged absence began in June 2024, when he sustained a knee injury while on international duty.
- During the 2024-25 campaign, under Thiago Motta and then Igor Tudor, he did not play a minute for Juventus.
- Last season, Luciano Spalletti gave him 34 minutes across two brief appearances, against Sassuolo and Genoa. He came close to scoring late on against Sassuolo, raising hope that the centre-forward might be available again.
- That optimism did not last, as further physical setbacks followed.
- In August, Milik scored against Palermo during Juventus’ Australian tour, finding the net in Perth after 813 days without a goal. It appeared to offer a possible turning point, but it proved another isolated moment in an injury-hit spell.
- He has now stopped again with the latest muscular complaint, beginning another recovery period.
Juventus planning without Milik
The recurring nature of Milik’s absences has shaped Juventus’ squad decisions. Spalletti and the club’s directors have removed him from the Serie A and UEFA lists, with limited places forcing choices within the group and the striker’s fitness record offering little certainty.
He remains eligible only for the Coppa Italia, but this latest setback makes an immediate return to the pitch unlikely. Juventus continue to value the player, yet his availability has become a central concern after so much time spent away from the side.
An uncertain final stretch
Milik’s contract expires in June. A separation could nevertheless arrive during the winter window should Juventus and the player reach an agreement. For now, the former Napoli and Marseille forward faces another attempt to restore his fitness, with the promising signs of recent months again overtaken by the familiar reality of another stop.
