Juventus Captain Locatelli Faces Surgery After Meniscus Injury

Juventus have been hit by another heavy blow, with captain Manuel Locatelli set for surgery on an external meniscus injury that could sideline him for at least three months.

The midfielder sustained the problem during Sunday’s draw with Milan. Initial concern quickly hardened into bad news: as reported by TuttoSport, further tests have confirmed that an operation is necessary. The preferred course is a meniscus repair, a more durable solution in the long term, but one that almost certainly rules Locatelli out until well into the new year.

Spalletti’s midfield stripped bare

Juventus were already stretched in the middle of the pitch. Khephren Thuram is a long-term absentee, not expected back until 2027 after his own surgery, removing a key physical and technical presence from Spalletti’s plans.

Weston McKennie has missed the last two matches with muscular fatigue, leaving another hole in the rotation and forcing Spalletti to reshuffle just as the fixtures begin to stack up.

On Sunday against Milan, the problems multiplied. New signing Pape Sarr was also unavailable, having arrived from Tottenham with a minor muscular issue and lacking the necessary preparation to be thrown straight into a high-intensity clash. What was supposed to be fresh energy in midfield has, for now, become another name on the treatment list.

The image of Spalletti on the touchline in Frosinone in late August — head bowed, shoulders heavy during the Serie A match at Stadio Benito Stirpe — suddenly feels like a snapshot of a season-threatening theme rather than a one-off moment of frustration.

Next Gen on standby

With options evaporating, Spalletti may have little choice but to look down the ladder rather than across it. The club’s Next Gen squad is now firmly in focus, with youngster Owusu among those being seriously considered for a first-team opportunity.

It is not an ideal scenario for a coach who arrived with clear tactical ideas and a desire to build around experienced operators in the centre of the pitch. Yet the situation might fast-track a new generation, whether Juventus are ready for it or not.

Injuries mounting across the squad

The problems are not confined to midfield.

Kenan Yildiz is only expected to return after the November international break as he continues his recovery from foot surgery, depriving Juventus of one of their brightest attacking sparks at a time when creativity is at a premium.

Jeff Ekhator and Juan Cabal are each facing roughly another month out, further thinning Spalletti’s options when he looks to his bench. Andrea Cambiaso is also on the recovery path after a minor ankle sprain, another small but significant absence in a squad now being tested in every department.

One by one, key pieces are being stripped away. The question for Juventus is no longer just how they cope without their captain in the coming months, but how long this injury storm can rage before it leaves a lasting mark on their season.