Juventus’ top striker, Dusan Vlahovic, will remain sidelined due to a lingering thigh injury, missing Sunday’s crucial Serie A clash against Lecce.
Manager Thiago Motta confirmed the Serbian forward’s absence as the Turin giants struggle with an injury crisis that has impacted several key players.
Dusan Vlahovic, who leads Juventus’ scoring charts this season with nine goals across all competitions, has not featured since he was substituted late during Serbia’s Nations League match against Denmark earlier this month. Without the 24-year-old’s firepower, Juventus has struggled to find the back of the net, playing out consecutive goalless draws against AC Milan in Serie A and Aston Villa in the Champions League.
Currently sitting sixth in the Serie A standings, Juventus remains unbeaten but finds themselves four points behind league leaders Napoli. Lecce, meanwhile, sits 15th with 12 points, fighting to escape the lower end of the table. Speaking to reporters on Saturday, Motta emphasized that Vlahovic’s recovery remains a priority.
“Dusan Vlahovic is not available for the Lecce match. Like all our injured players, he is fully focused on recovering as soon as possible,” Motta said. “He’s eager to return and help the team. Once he’s fit, we will determine when he’s ready to play again.”
Juventus’ Mounting Injury List
The injury list at Juventus extends beyond Dusan Vlahovic. Key players Nicolo Savona, Weston McKennie, Nico Gonzalez, and Douglas Luiz are also unavailable. To compound matters, defenders Gleison Bremer and Juan Cabal are out for the remainder of the season due to anterior cruciate ligament injuries.
Motta remains optimistic despite these setbacks. “Every team faces challenging periods with injuries. My focus is on the players who are available. I have full confidence in their ability to step up and deliver,” he stated. “We must respond collectively and put in an extra effort to navigate this tough stretch. The team’s work ethic and commitment are key to overcoming these challenges.”
Lecce’s Renewed Momentum
Lecce recently appointed Marco Giampaolo as their head coach, and his arrival seems to have injected fresh energy into the team. Giampaolo guided Lecce to a 1-0 victory over bottom-placed Venezia earlier this month, and Motta acknowledged the potential for Lecce to pose problems.
“When a team changes coaches, it often brings a new dynamic and enthusiasm. Players who previously had limited opportunities get a fresh start, and we saw that in their performance against Venezia,” Motta observed. “Lecce has talented players, and their organization under Giampaolo is impressive. We must stay focused and be prepared for a tough match.”
As Juventus continues to weather the storm of injuries, the team’s ability to adapt and rally will be crucial in maintaining their unbeaten Serie A record. Fans will undoubtedly hope for a speedy recovery for Dusan Vlahovic and the other sidelined players as Juventus aims to remain competitive across all fronts.
