Juventus is staring down a brutal injury crisis this Sunday at the Allianz Stadium, with seven key players sidelined as they prepare to face a virtually full-strength AC Milan squad. Both teams are rocking perfect records to start the season, but the Bianconeri’s depth is about to be tested like never before against a squad carrying absolute momentum into Turin.
Juventus’ Roster Nightmare Is Real
This ain’t just a few bumps and bruises, folks. Manager Luciano Spalletti is missing seven key players, and it’s hitting them hard up front and out wide. Star winger Kenan Yıldız is out for up to three months with a fractured metatarsal, which is a massive blow to their attacking plans. Then there’s midfielder Khéphren Thuram, sidelined for several months with a serious injury and not even on the club’s 25-man Serie A roster. Defender Juan Cabal and young forward Jeff Ekhator also remain out with long-term issues.
For this specific matchday, fullback Andrea Cambiaso is nursing an ankle sprain he sustained against Parma, while Weston McKennie is training separately, away from the main squad. Even deadline-day midfield signing Pape Matar Sarr is unavailable due to a muscle problem, forcing Spalletti into some serious tactical adjustments. Despite all that chaos, Juventus still managed a disciplined 1-0 away win at Frosinone and a strong 2-0 home win against Parma, where Nico González and Teun Koopmeiners scored. Keeping back-to-back clean sheets highlights their defensive form, but can they hold strong against a full-strength Milan?
AC Milan Is Ready to Pounce
Meanwhile, AC Milan is strutting into Turin practically unscathed. Manager Rubén Amorim has a full deck of cards, giving him all the tactical flexibility in the world. Defender Matteo Gabbia is the only notable absentee from the traveling squad. Fikayo Tomori has returned to the team after his anticipated transfer window move did not materialize, though he is still lacking peak match fitness and is expected to start from the substitute bench.
They lost Rafael Leão to Galatasaray over the summer, but their attack still looks potent and ready for prime time. Striker Gonçalo Ramos, their record signing, is leading the line and already bagged his first league goal in their convincing 2-0 win over Venezia. And get this: former Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot is playing an advanced playmaker role, heavily supporting Ramos. That’s gotta sting a little for the Bianconeri faithful, right? Milan’s season kicked off with a hard-fought 2-1 away victory against Torino before that Venezia win, and they are carrying absolute momentum into this heavyweight clash.
So, what are we looking at for Sunday’s 7:45 PM BST kick-off at the Allianz Stadium? We’ve got Juventus trying to hold their perfect record together with duct tape and prayers against a full-throttle AC Milan side hungry to exploit every single one of those injuries. This isn’t just about three points; it’s about early season bragging rights and who’s truly ready to contend in Serie A. Get ready, this one’s gonna be a grinder!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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