Juventus captain Manuel Locatelli sidelined for three months with knee injury

Juventus captain Manuel Locatelli is set to miss the next three months of the season. The midfielder sustained a significant external meniscus injury during Sunday’s draw against AC Milan at the Allianz Stadium.

Following medical examinations, the club opted for a meniscus suture procedure rather than tissue removal to ensure a durable long-term recovery. This medical decision means the 28-year-old will be unavailable for competitive action until the winter break.

The timing is particularly damaging for manager Luciano Spalletti, who is already navigating a severe injury crisis. The midfield is severely depleted following the long-term absence of Khephren Thuram, while Weston McKennie and recent signing Pape Sarr are also struggling with fitness issues. The team’s broader injury list, which includes forward Kenan Yildiz and several defenders, has left the squad extremely thin.

In response to the mounting absences, Spalletti is turning to the club’s youth setup. The Juventus Next Gen squad is expected to provide reinforcements for first-team duties, with youngster Augusto Owusu frequently mentioned as a potential candidate for increased involvement in training and matchday squads.