Juventus receive McKennie and Cambiaso boost ahead of Europa League opener
Quick summary
Weston McKennie and Andrea Cambiaso are available for Juventus' Europa League opener after recovering from injury issues.
Full article
Attributed to original sourceJuventus will take part in their first Europa League match of the 2026-27 season on Thursday night and Luciano Spalletti will be able to include both Weston McKennie and Andrea Cambiaso in his squad following their recent injury lay-offs.
Juventus get McKennie and Cambiaso back for NEC, but no Kelly or Zhegrova Juventus, who finished the 2025-26 Serie A season in sixth place, will host NEC Nijmegen at the Allianz Stadium in their first match of the 2026-27 Europa League campaign at 20.00 BST on Thursday night.
TURIN, ITALY – AUGUST 29: Players of Juventus pose for a team photograph before the Serie A match between Juventus and Parma Calcio at Allianz Stadium on August 29, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images) The Bianconeri will be hoping that this is a confidence-booster after a disappointing 3-2 loss against Sassuolo in Serie A over the weekend.
Juventus were without nine injured players for the Sassuolo match over the weekend: Cambiaso, McKennie among them, as well as Kenan Yildiz, Khephren Thuram, Manuel Locatelli, Jeremie Boga, Jeff Ekhator, Juan Cabal and Arkadiusz Milik.
Spalletti will be relieved, however, following McKennie and Cambiaso’s participation in Tuesday and Wednesday’s training sessions, in full with the rest of the Bianconeri group.
FROSINONE, ITALY – AUGUST 23: Weston Mckennie in action 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) According to reports from Gianluca Di Marzio , both are expected to be included in the matchday squad for the NEC match on Thursday.
The Old Lady will still be without the other seven aforementioned players, as well as the suspended Lloyd Kelly and Edon Zhegrova, who is not on Juve’s UEFA squad list.
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What happened
Juventus have received a timely boost ahead of their Europa League opener with both Weston McKennie and Andrea Cambiaso available for selection. The two players had been dealing with fitness concerns but are now expected to feature. The returns strengthen Thiago Motta's squad options as Juventus begin their European campaign.
Chance analysis
Juventus enter their Europa League campaign with timely returns that broaden Thiago Motta's tactical options. McKennie brings energy and versatility in midfield, while Cambiaso adds depth on the left flank — a position where Juventus have been light. Having both available for the opening fixture gives Motta flexibility in selection and the ability to rotate without compromising quality as the fixture list intensifies.
Juventus gain midfield and left-back options for their Europa League opener, strengthening squad depth and tactical flexibility.