Juventus hit by injury crisis as Locatelli and Boga are sidelined
Quick summary
Juventus are dealing with an early-season injury crisis, with midfielders Manuel Locatelli and Jeremie Boga picking up knocks.
Full article
Attributed to original sourceThe latest injuries to Manuel Locatelli and Jeremie Boga have confirmed that Juventus are already in an injury crisis after just three Serie A matches of the 2026-27 campaign, as Luciano Spalletti is currently without nine of his senior first-team players.
Juventus up to nine injuries after just three Serie A matches On Monday, it was confirmed that Juventus captain Manuel Locatelli is set for a significant spell on the sidelines as he will require surgery to amend damage to his meniscus.
TURIN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 06: Manuel Locatelli of Juventus is challenged by Luka Modric of Milan during the Serie A match between Juventus and AC Milan at Allianz Stadium on September 06, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images) Initial reports suggested that he will be out of action for around three months, although Tuesday’s reports from La Gazzetta dello Sport suggest that the lay-off could be even longer, and in the worst case, could be more like six months. Either way, the Italy international is unlikely to feature again until the winter.
Juventus are also waiting to hear back on Jeremie Boga’s condition, but according to La Gazzetta dello Sport, it is expected that the Ivorian has picked up a muscular injury which will likely keep him out of action for a few weeks, potentially until the upcoming international break.
The two latest blows add to existing injuries to Khephren Thuram, who is likely to return in 2027, Kenan Yildiz, who is also out for several months, plus Jeff Ekhator and Juan Cabal as well.
PERTH, AUSTRALIA – AUGUST 11: Kenan Yildiz of Juventus controls the ball during the match between Juventus and Palermo at HBF Park on August 11, 2026 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Janelle St Pierre/Getty Images) Spalletti has also been unable to call upon either Pape Matar Sarr so far this season, nor Weston McKennie for either of the last two Serie A matches as he recovers from a muscular strain.
The midfield injuries are a particular cause for concern for Spalletti, because as things stand, the only fit and available starters are Douglas Luiz and Teun Koopmeiners, two players that Juventus had been looking to sell earlier on in the summer transfer window.
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What happened
Juventus are already facing a significant injury problem early in the campaign, with key midfield options Manuel Locatelli and Jeremie Boga both ruled out. The club is now dealing with depth concerns in central areas, forcing the coaching staff to reassess their options ahead of upcoming Serie A and European fixtures. With two creative players unavailable simultaneously, tactical adjustments and rotation choices will become more pressing for the Turin side.
Chance analysis
Losing two midfielders at this stage of the season is the kind of headache Juventus can ill afford, especially with the fixture list still building intensity. Locatelli's absence strips the team of a deep-lying playmaker who sets the tempo, while Boga's loss reduces attacking thrust and width from the flanks. Expect Thiago Motta to lean more heavily on remaining midfield options and potentially accelerate youth integration to plug the gap.
Juventus will be weakened in midfield creativity and attacking depth for upcoming fixtures, likely forcing tactical reshuffles and reliance on squad players.