Weston McKennie Set to Start Juventus’ Europa League Opener Against NEC
Weston McKennie will start Juventus’ Europa League opener against NEC on Thursday after returning to full training, Luciano Spalletti has confirmed.
The 28-year-old United States midfielder trained without restriction on Tuesday and Wednesday, giving Juventus a timely midfield boost after their setback against Sassuolo. Andrea Cambiaso is also back in contention, but Spalletti still faces a major selection squeeze ahead of the European tie.
McKennie cleared for NEC test
- McKennie completed two full sessions with the group on Tuesday and Wednesday after a spell out alongside several first-team players.
- Spalletti confirmed the versatile midfielder will feature against NEC, stressing that he wants him on the pitch for several tactical and leadership reasons.
- The Juventus coach warned that his available players must be managed carefully, with two or three not expected to last the full 90 minutes.
“McKennie will play tomorrow,” Spalletti said. “We have to be cautious with the players we put on the field because two or three will not be able to complete the match.”
Juventus’ injury and availability problems
Juventus are still set to be without nine senior players. Kenan Yildiz, Khephren Thuram, Manuel Locatelli and Arkadiusz Milik are among those absent.
- Lloyd Kelly cannot play because of suspension.
- Edon Zhegrova is not eligible for the competition after being left out of Juventus’ UEFA squad registration.
- Cambiaso’s return, alongside McKennie’s, gives Spalletti badly needed options.
The shortage puts more responsibility on Teun Koopmeiners, with the Dutch midfielder expected to be central in the battle against NEC’s compatriots.
Spalletti said Koopmeiners must deliver the level expected of an international player. “He is important to us,” the coach said. “He has to make the right individual choices during matches. I see plenty from him in training as well as games, and we need that from him.”
Spalletti dismisses Conte talk
Spalletti also brushed aside growing pressure over his position and speculation linking Antonio Conte with a return to Juventus.
The Italian said he has learned to deal with scrutiny over a long career, adding that difficult experiences during his childhood gave him perspective on the consequences of defeat and the noise around elite football.
“Accepting pressure is useful; it helps you live properly,” Spalletti said. “I had to help my family after school when I was 10 during a difficult time, so football pressure does not concern me in that way. I care deeply about my work, but I cannot control the reaction after a loss.”
What happens next
Juventus begin their Europa League campaign against an NEC side Spalletti believes can punish any lapse in concentration. The Bianconeri enter the match after finishing sixth in Serie A last season and following their recent defeat to Sassuolo.
Spalletti praised NEC coach Peter Schreuder for imposing his own methods in Dutch football and highlighted the threat posed by the Eredivisie club’s technical quality, inverted wide players and forward Dusan Tadic.
“We should expect a very specific game plan, full of quality ideas,” Spalletti said. “If we are not ready, they can surprise us. They use inverted wingers because they want to attack the goal from inside positions.”
Juventus will need to show the defensive improvements discussed after the Sassuolo loss, with McKennie’s confirmed return offering Spalletti one of the few reinforcements available for Thursday night.
