Juventus have received encouraging news regarding Jeff Ekhator after medical examinations confirmed the summer signing suffered only a low-grade muscle strain during his pre-season debut. The striker underwent radiological assessments at the club’s J Medical centre on Monday following his early withdrawal from Saturday’s friendly against Basel.
Scans revealed a low-grade strain of the biceps femoris in the striker’s right thigh, and the 20-year-old has already begun his rehabilitation programme. The diagnosis resolves early uncertainty that had seen conflicting reports emerge regarding the exact nature of the problem after he went down under a challenge just 29 minutes into Luciano Spalletti’s first match in charge.
Debut cut short
Ekhator’s introduction to life in Turin could hardly have started worse. Handed a starting berth for the pre-season fixture against Basel, the former Genoa forward was withdrawn inside the opening half-hour after going to ground following a defensive challenge during a run in behind.
While initial observations from the touchline suggested differing diagnoses—with Corriere dello Sport noting he repeatedly clutched his knee and other reports indicating a thigh complaint—the player was able to leave the pitch under his own power before Lois Openda took his place in the lineup. The true extent of the damage remained unclear until the club’s medical staff conducted thorough examinations.
Relief for Spalletti’s attacking plans
The injury had threatened to disrupt Spalletti’s preparations at the earliest possible stage of his tenure. Ekhator arrived from Genoa as the first piece of a planned attacking rebuild, and any enforced absence would have reduced the manager’s rotation options during a crucial period of tactical integration.
Juventus continue to pursue additional firepower ahead of the new campaign, with Randal Kolo Muani remaining among their primary targets and alternatives such as Mateo Pellegrino and Richarlison also under consideration. While the club has not specified a return date for Ekhator, low-grade hamstring strains typically require only brief recovery periods, offering hope that he could resume full training within days rather than weeks.
The setback nevertheless delays the young forward’s adaptation to Spalletti’s system at a time when competition for places intensifies. Juventus will monitor his rehabilitation closely as they press on with their summer recruitment drive ahead of the Serie A opener.