Juventus Injury Crisis: Three Stars Skip Training Before Milan Clash
An injury crisis hit Juventus ahead of their clash with AC Milan as Weston McKennie and two other key stars missed group training.
Turin’s Selection Nightmare
An injury crisis struck the Juventus training ground on the eve of their high-stakes Serie A showdown against AC Milan. Three of the club’s prominent first-team players failed to join the final squad training sessions at Continassa. The sudden absences forced manager Luciano Spalletti to rebuild his tactical plans from scratch just hours before kickoff.
US Men’s National Team midfielder Weston McKennie, Turkish playmaker Kenan Yildiz, and French midfielder Khephren Thuram were all missing from the group workouts. Their absence left the Bianconeri severely depleted. In total, Spalletti had to navigate a matchday squad missing eight regular first-team players due to various physical ailments.
The timing could not have been worse for the Italian giants. Both Juventus and AC Milan entered the weekend with perfect records, having won their opening two matches of the season. This early-season blockbuster at the Allianz Stadium was supposed to show who truly ruled the league. Instead, it became a test of survival for a battered home side.
The American Midfield Void
For American soccer fans, McKennie’s absence from the training pitch raised immediate red flags. The Texan midfielder has become a quiet engine for Juventus, providing a physical presence and tactical flexibility that Spalletti heavily relies on. Losing him meant losing a key link between defense and attack.
McKennie’s physical setbacks often ripple across the Atlantic, where USMNT coaches keep a close eye on his Serie A minutes. Without his high-energy pressing, the Juventus midfield looked vulnerable. The club’s medical staff did not release a specific timeline for his return, leaving fans and national team staff guessing about the severity of the issue.
With Khephren Thuram also sidelined, the central midfield duties fell entirely on Manuel Locatelli and Douglas Luiz. The duo faced a massive task. They had to contain a revamped Milan midfield that suddenly looked much fresher and more aggressive.
Spalletti Fumes Over Transfer Window
The sudden rash of injuries brought simmering frustrations to the surface. During his pre-match press conference, Spalletti did not hide his disappointment regarding the club’s summer transfer business. The manager hinted that the squad lacked the depth required to fight for the league title while balancing European commitments.
“We wanted a different setup by the end of the window,” Spalletti told reporters through a translator. “But we must move forward with what we have. We want to dictate the game, regardless of who wears the shirt.”
With limited options, the manager had to get creative. German forward Nick Woltemade was rushed back into the matchday squad after completing just a single training session. It was a risky move, but one born out of absolute necessity as the bench grew thinner by the day.
A New-Look Milan Seizes the Moment
While Juventus scrambled to patch up their leaks, AC Milan arrived in Turin smelling blood. Under the guidance of their new manager, Ruben Amorim, the Rossoneri looked to make a massive statement. Amorim has quickly implemented a high-tempo style that has revitalized the Milan giants.
Milan’s starting lineup featured a fascinating mix of veteran leadership and young talent. Former Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric got the nod, anchoring the midfield alongside Adrien Rabiot, who made his first start of the season. Up front, Goncalo Ramos and Diego Moreira provided a constant threat to the Juventus backline.
The contrast between the two benches was stark. While Amorim had a luxury of choices, Spalletti had to rely on untested youngsters. The Juventus boss gave surprise starts to Kerim Alajbegovic and Nico Gonzalez, hoping their raw energy could offset the lack of experience.
Late Drama at the Allianz Stadium
The match itself lived up to the pre-game tension. Depleted but defiant, Juventus fought hard in front of a packed home crowd. The defense, led by Bremer and Lucumi, managed to absorb heavy pressure from Milan’s potent attack for most of the first half.
However, the breakthrough came from the visitors. Milan youngster Alphadjo Cisse silenced the home fans with a brilliant strike, putting the Rossoneri ahead and seemingly securing three points for Amorim’s side. Juventus looked exhausted, their lack of bench depth finally taking a toll as the minutes ticked away.
Then came the stoppage-time savior. With just seconds remaining, defender Federico Gatti found himself in the box during a desperate final attack. Gatti turned home a loose ball to rescue a dramatic 1-1 draw, preserving the unbeaten start for both Italian powerhouses. It was a bittersweet result for Spalletti, who survived a nightmare week but knows his squad is running on fumes.
