Juventus are grappling with significant injury concerns for key players Kenan Yildiz and Khephren Thuram, despite making a strong start to the 2026-27 Serie A season. The club has secured two wins and one draw in their opening three league matches, but these setbacks pose a challenge for the Bianconeri.
Yildiz Faces Extended Layoff
Young forward Kenan Yildiz suffered a fractured foot during the season opener against Frosinone and is set to undergo surgery. The injury is expected to keep him out of action for over two months. Juventus director Giorgio Chiellini confirmed the situation, stating, “We were a bit unlucky with Yildiz’s injury, but it means other guys will have a chance to prove themselves. The situation is clear: He has a metatarsal injury, he will need to be operated on and will be out for a few months. It’s not an injury that will affect things in the future. Once he returns he will be at 100%. It’s an annoying hitch, but it won’t take anything away from his career or his future.”
Thuram Requires Knee Surgery
Midfielder Khephren Thuram is also facing a spell on the sidelines, with reports indicating he is likely to undergo knee surgery in France. The procedure aims to resolve a patellofemoral syndrome that prevented him from training with the squad during pre-season. Thuram is scheduled to visit specialist Bertrand Sonnery Cottet in Lyon, a surgeon who has previously operated on Juventus players Gleison Bremer and Federico Gatti for knee issues.
Squad Adjustments Planned
In response to these significant absences, Juventus are already planning adjustments to their squad. The club intends to bring in Pape Matar Sarr, reportedly from Tottenham, as a replacement for Thuram. Furthermore, Yildiz’s injury has influenced the decision to retain Nico Gonzalez, who had spent the 2025-26 season on loan at Atletico Madrid. This summer, Juventus also strengthened their squad with the signings of Randal Kolo Muani from PSG and Guglielmo Vicario from Tottenham.
The injuries come as Juventus aim to build on their positive start to the Serie A campaign. After a 1-0 victory over Frosinone and a win against Parma, the Bianconeri secured a 1-1 draw against Milan at the Allianz Stadium. These early results have positioned Juventus well, but the long-term absences of Yildiz and Thuram will test the squad’s depth and resilience in the coming months.