Juventus' Locatelli Faces Three-Month Meniscus Layoff

Juventus captain Manuel Locatelli will undergo knee surgery after examinations identified a serious external meniscus injury suffered in Sunday’s Serie A draw with AC Milan at the Allianz Stadium.

The 28-year-old midfielder has been selected for a meniscus repair rather than removal of the damaged tissue. The procedure is designed to offer the stronger long-term outcome, but it is expected to keep him out for at least three months and likely until the winter break.

Quick facts

Locatelli injured his knee against AC Milan on Sunday.
Tests found damage to the external meniscus.
Juventus are planning a surgical suture repair.
A minimum three-month lay-off is expected.
Khephren Thuram is also unavailable after surgery and is not due back before 2027.
Weston McKennie has missed Juventus’ past two matches with muscular fatigue.

The captain’s absence deepens an already severe midfield shortage for Luciano Spalletti. Thuram is facing a long recovery from an operation for femoro-patellar syndrome, removing another major central option for the foreseeable future.

McKennie has not featured in the last two fixtures because of continuing muscle fatigue. New arrival Pape Sarr is also still working towards full fitness after joining from Tottenham with a minor muscular issue and without the benefit of a complete pre-season.

Juventus are carrying significant problems elsewhere in the squad. Forward Kenan Yildiz remains out following foot surgery and is not expected back until after the November international break.

Defenders Jeff Ekhator and Juan Cabal are each facing roughly another month on the sidelines. Andrea Cambiaso has a minor ankle sprain, although Juventus are hopeful his return will come sooner.

With senior numbers shrinking, Spalletti is set to turn to Juventus Next Gen for training and matchday cover. Augusto Owusu has emerged as one of the young players under consideration after impressing with the reserve side.

What happens next: Locatelli will have the operation before Juventus establish a firmer timetable for his return, while Spalletti must reshape his midfield options through the demanding run to the winter break.