A host of first team players are set to miss out on Saturday’s clash, as Empoli look to register their first victory in Turin since 1999. Khedira and Sandro remain suspended, with Dybala and Barzagli likely to miss out with minor injuries for the hosts.
Juventus’s season has been blighted with injuries since the start, which accounts for their poor run of form at the start of the campaign, but since then Juve have managed to remain strong. Leonardo Bonucci is the latest casualty and was stretchered off during Italy’s 4-1 drubbing in Germany.
The injury however was considerably less severe than initially expected, much to the relief of the Juve fans. An official statement on the club’s website noted:
“After sustaining an injury in Tuesday’s international friendly match between Italy and Germany, Leonardo Bonucci underwent medical tests to ascertain the extent of the damage. These ruled out any muscle tears.
“The defender will now rest up for three days before easing back into the team’s training schedule.” (via Goal.com)
Two days ago the club’s website had declared that Chiellini, who was recovering from a calf injury, had returned to training with his teammates in Vinovo (via FootballItalia). He is expected to start on Saturday.
The Juve backline is heavily depleted, with Rugani being the only certainty available at Allegri’s disposal. Martin Caceres’ long term injury has ruled him out of the clash and Barzagli is a probability for the fixture.
Dybala and Marchisio are also recovering from calf injuries and are expected to miss the game. Mandzukic and Morata are expected to start alongside Cuadrado. Hernanes should replace Marchisio in midfield alongside Pogba and Sturaro.
The only notable absence for Giampaolo’s side is full back Mario Rui who picked up a contracture during training. Serbian Uros Cosic who has only played 3 games this season is also unavailable for selection. Vincent Laurini, Marko Livaja and Levan Mchedlidze are also unavailable for selection. Skorupski is doubtful, but likely to make it to the squad.
