Nine Juventus Stars Sidelined as Locatelli Lost to Meniscus Surgery
Manuel Locatelli will miss five to six months for Juventus following meniscus surgery, anchoring a medical list that leaves nine first-team players unavailable to manager Luciano Spalletti as of September 9, 2026. None of the nine sidelined squad members returned to training at Continassa on Wednesday, compounding physical availability issues after three Serie A matches.
Manuel Locatelli and Key Midfielders Face Long-Term Recoveries at Juventus
The simultaneous absences compress physical options across multiple positions, with long-term surgical cases removing structural depth in midfield and attack. With Locatelli sidelined until early 2027 and both Khephren Thuram and Kenan Yildiz also recovering from recent operations, central rotation relies heavily on day-to-day evaluations for shorter-term concerns.
Juventus
clubLocatelli underwent meniscus surgery following the match against AC Milan, while Thuram completed arthroscopic knee surgery last week and will not return before January 2027. Yildiz is recovering from surgery on a fractured foot and aims for a late November return. Soft-tissue rehabilitation plans are actively underway for thigh injuries sustained by Jeremie Boga, Jeff Ekhator, and Juan Cabal.
Timeline Breakdown for Sidelined Juventus Roster Options
The medical department has confirmed specific lay-off windows and evaluation protocols for all nine unavailable players across the first-team squad.
Kenan Yildiz
player| Player | Medical Status / Injury | Expected Return |
|---|---|---|
| Manuel Locatelli | Meniscus surgery | 5, 6 months |
| Khephren Thuram | Arthroscopic knee surgery | January 2027 |
| Kenan Yildiz | Fractured foot surgery | End of November 2026 |
| Jeremie Boga | Left thigh muscle injury | 40, 50 days |
| Jeff Ekhator | Right thigh muscle injury | 30, 40 days |
| Juan Cabal | Left thigh muscle injury | One month |
| Andrea Cambiaso | Twisted ankle | Day-to-day |
| Weston McKennie | Muscle fatigue | Day-to-day |
| Pape Matar Sarr | Match fitness | Day-to-day |
Boga’s left thigh injury represents the latest addition to the treatment room following official confirmation on Tuesday. Spalletti must select his starting XI from diminished senior depth as daily progress checks continue for Cambiaso, McKennie, and Sarr ahead of upcoming league fixtures.