Luciano Spalletti has told Juventus to stop using the injury list as an excuse ahead of Sunday’s game against Sassuolo, which kicks off at 19.45 UK time (20.45 CEST) at the Mapei Stadium. The head coach reportedly said in his pre-match press conference that the Bianconeri must focus on winning games and dominating their opponents rather than seeing absences as limitations. sky sports.
Manuel Locatelli has reportedly undergone surgery for a torn meniscus in his knee, with reports suggesting the captain faces a layoff of four to six months. Gazzetta dello Sport. Weston McKennie is certain to miss Sunday’s game, while Andrea Cambiaso will undergo a fitness test on the morning of the game. Meanwhile, Pape Matar Sarr is available following his move from Tottenham Hotspur and could be available if Spalletti decides he is needed, with more information on his return to full training coming in the latest update. Nick Watermade has made his debut on loan from Newcastle United and has been assessed as a possible starter after Continassa adapted quickly.
The list is long but there are no excuses
Juventus’ perfect start to the season came to an abrupt end with a 1-1 draw with Milan, with Federico Gatti’s equalizer ultimately saving the day. The club continues to manage a long injury list that also includes Kenan Yildiz, Kefren Thuram, Jeremy Boga, Jeff Héctor and Juan Cabal. A fuller analysis of these cases is provided in Juventus’ latest injury update. Spalletti’s message is that each absence should be seen as an opportunity for others to step up, rather than a reason to lower expectations.
Tactical freedom and the path back to the top of Europe
The coach believes Locatelli’s absence does not mean a settled system is in place, pointing to Douglas Luiz’s increasing reliability and Then Kupmainas’ ability to roam freely between midfield and midfield. Juventus must now wait for Europa League fixtures rather than the Champions League this week, a situation Spalletti admits stings but is seen as extra motivation, a theme closely linked to the club’s ambitions to finish in the top four next season.
Regarding Locatelli specifically, Spalletti expressed regret over the injury while noting that his absence spreads responsibility to the dressing room. He also described Sarr as a complete midfielder who can run into space and withstand pressure, and said Walter Mader’s early impressions in training could lead to him being given a starting role sooner rather than later.
