Juventus face 3-month Locatelli absence as tests reveal need for surgery
Quick summary
Juventus midfielder Manuel Locatelli requires surgery after medical tests, ruling him out for approximately three months.
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Attributed to original sourceJuventus have suffered another major injury setback, with captain Manuel Locatelli set to undergo surgery on an injury to his external meniscus.
Locatelli picked up the problem during Sunday’s draw with Milan, and, according to TuttoSport , further tests have confirmed that an operation is required. The preferred solution is reportedly a meniscus repair, which is considered the more durable option but would leave the midfielder sidelined for at least three months.
The injury leaves Luciano Spalletti with a significant problem in midfield. Juventus are already without Khephren Thuram, who is expected to remain out until 2027 after undergoing surgery, while Weston McKennie has missed the last two matches with muscular fatigue.
FROSINONE, ITALY – AUGUST 23: Luciano Spalletti head coach of FC Juventus looks dejected during the Serie A match between Frosinone Calcio and Juventus FC at Stadio Benito Stirpe on August 23, 2026 in Frosinone, Italy. (Photo by Giuseppe Bellini/Getty Images) Spalletti faces midfield emergency at Juventus New signing Pape Sarr was also unavailable against Milan after arriving from Tottenham with a minor muscular issue and lacking sufficient preparation.
Spalletti could therefore turn to the Next Gen squad for reinforcements, with Owusu among the youngsters being considered for a first-team opportunity.
There are also concerns elsewhere in the squad. Kenan Yildiz is expected back after the November international break following foot surgery, while Jeff Ekhator and Juan Cabal are each facing around another month out. Andrea Cambiaso, meanwhile, is recovering from a minor ankle sprain.
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What happened
Juventus have confirmed that midfielder Manuel Locatelli will undergo surgery after medical tests revealed the extent of his injury. The Italian international is expected to be sidelined for around three months, a significant blow to Juventus's midfield options. The absence comes at a difficult period for the club, who will need to find alternatives in central midfield during a congested fixture schedule. Locatelli has been a key figure for Juventus since arriving from Sassuolo, and his loss represents a notable setback for the team's ambitions this season.
Chance analysis
Manuel Locatelli's three-month absence is a meaningful blow to Juventus's midfield depth heading into a critical stretch of the season. The Italian international has been central to Thiago Motta's setup, and replacing his distribution, ball-carrying, and set-piece quality will not be straightforward. Juventus will likely turn to options such as Weston McKennie, Khéphren Thuram, or Douglas Luiz to fill the void, though none offer quite the same profile. With Serie A and potential European commitments on the horizon, the timing is particularly unwelcome for the Turin club.
Juventus lose a key midfield starter for approximately three months, weakening their central midfield and forcing tactical adjustments.