Spalletti: Juventus hurt by Yildiz injury, Alajbegovic ready, defends Kolo Muani

Luciano Spalletti says Juventus are ‘hurt’ by the Kenan Yildiz injury, though Kerim Alajbegovic is ready to step in, reveals a Weston McKennie problem, and tempers Randal Kolo Muani criticism.

The game with Parma kicks off at the Allianz Juventus Stadium on Saturday at 19.45 UK time (20.45 CEST).

There are growing injury problems for the Bianconeri after their opening victory away to Frosinone, because Kenan Yildiz will require surgery on his foot and is expected to be out for two to three months.

On top of that, coach Spalletti announced in his press conference this afternoon that McKennie is also out of action with a muscular issue, while Khephren Thuram needs to be evaluated tomorrow morning.

Spalletti dealing with Juventus problems HONG KONG, CHINA – AUGUST 5: Head coach Luciano Spalletti of Juventus FC talks to media during post match press conference after the preseason friendly between Chelsea and Juventus at the Kai Tak Stadium on August 5, 2026 in Hong Kong, China. (Photo by Yu Chun Christopher Wong/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images) “The club has already brought in players who could replace Yildiz, because Kerim Alajbegovic is used to playing in that position,” said Spalletti.

“The directors did well there, they followed his progress and know him better than I do, so decided to make this investment. We also signed Jeff Ekhator, another young player who has a bright future ahead of him.

“Alajbegovic is 19 years old, he has quality, and is now eager to show all his potential. I am convinced he will give us the full display of his capabilities.”

TURIN, ITALY – MAY 17: Kenan Yildiz of Juventus FC during the Serie A match between Juventus FC and ACF Fiorentina at Allianz Stadium on May 17, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Chris Ricco/Getty Images) The long-term absence of Yildiz also brings into focus the future of Nico Gonzalez, who had been pushing for the exit after his Atletico Madrid loan experience.

“Nico Gonzalez always brings home what you need, no matter where you use him. We’ll be happy if he stays and are not prepared to just give him away, because he is a quality player.

“We have alternatives, but we’d rather have Yildiz and not alternatives, so it hurts what happened to him. We’re sad for the player, but also for the man.

“Hopefully, this won’t damage his growth process and his confidence, because it is an injury that requires some time out.”

FROSINONE, ITALY – AUGUST 23: Randal Kolo Muani of FC Juventus looks dejected during the Serie A match between Frosinone Calcio and Juventus at Stadio Benito Stirpe on August 23, 2026 in Frosinone, Italy. (Photo by Giuseppe Bellini/Getty Images) As part of the revamped attack, Kolo Muani had a difficult debut in the 1-0 victory at Frosinone, with Spalletti criticising the former Paris Saint-Germain and Tottenham Hotspur striker for his attitude.

“I said so many good things about Kolo Muani, but you only paid attention to the one negative comment,” the coach told the assembled media.

“We want to put him in a condition to give back all the faith that we put in him. He is a very good player at getting the ball, and difficult to keep up with when he sets off in a gallop.

“I merely said that he needs to pay attention to the fact he hasn’t played regularly and you can lose something when that happens. In a game like this, you need to carry the can.”

FROSINONE, ITALY – AUGUST 23: Luciano Spalletti head coach of FC Juventus gestures during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and AC Monza at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on August 23, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Giuseppe Bellini/Getty Images) Federico Gatti is back in the squad after an ankle injury, but new signing Jhon Lucumi is pushing for a starting spot in defence after the move from Bologna.

“It could happen, he is settling in well, but also Lloyd Kelly did very well in the first game against Frosinone, so we are not in any rush,” noted the coach.

“This is something I will evaluate carefully, and we are happy with how Lucumi is doing. He has all the qualities we had spotted, and also is very good at being part of a group, which is splendid.”

TORONTO, ONTARIO – JUNE 20: Franck Kessie #8 of Cote d’Ivoire celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group E match between Germany and Cote D’Ivoire at Toronto Stadium on June 20, 2026 in Toronto, Ontario. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) Juventus are known to be in negotiations with free agent Franck Kessie, formerly of Milan and Atalanta, to see if he can be added to the squad.

“They are talking to Kessie, we’ll see how we can do in the Financial Fair Play parameters, which are pretty stringent for us. Kessie is possible, but if we don’t sell, it becomes impossible to bring anyone new in.”

The Europa League draw was performed today , pitting Juventus against Real Sociedad, AZ Alkmaar, Rennes, Ferencvaros, Omonia, Celta Vigo, NED and Hapoel Beer Sheva.

“We have a responsibility for Italian football. We’ve got to have confidence, but also remember the games need to be played and we must prove ourselves on the field.”