Three-Month Layoffs Force Turin Club to Promote 21-Year-Old Academy Prospect
Manuel Locatelli and Khephren Thuram face three-month injury layoffs at Juventus following separate knee procedures that will keep both central midfielders sidelined until January 2027.
Thuram recently completed knee surgery, while Locatelli is scheduled for a meniscus operation after appearing in Sunday’s 1-1 draw against AC Milan.
Juventus
clubAcademy Promotion Replaces Market Search for Locatelli and Thuram
The double medical setback leaves the first team with only three fit senior central midfielders available for selection. Deadline-day signing Pape Matar Sarr remains sidelined while completing a separate physical rehabilitation program, further compressing central options.
Rather than entering the free-agent market for external replacements, club management will integrate 21-year-old Next Gen prospect Augusto Sedorf Owusu into the senior matchday rotation. Owusu earned an initial bench spot against AC Milan and now provides immediate depth across central positions.
Khephren Thuram
playerSurgical Procedures Alter Roster Availability for January 2027 Target
Thuram underwent surgical intervention on his knee last week and was subsequently removed from the club’s official Serie A registered squad list to accommodate roster limits. Locatelli’s upcoming meniscus procedure carries an identical three-month physical recovery window prior to returning to full training protocol.
Following the 1-1 draw with AC Milan on September 6, 2026, both recovery timelines point toward a competitive return at the start of 2027.