Spalletti demands more from Juventus despite injuries
Luciano Spalletti told Juventus to stop leaning on their injury list as an excuse ahead of Sunday’s trip to Sassuolo, which kicks off at the Mapei Stadium at 19.45 UK time (20.45 CEST). Speaking in his pre-match press conference, the head coach insisted the Bianconeri must focus on winning games and dominating opponents rather than framing absences as limitations, according to Sky Sport.
Manuel Locatelli underwent surgery for a torn meniscus in his knee, with reports suggesting the captain faces a lay-off of four to six months, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport. Weston McKennie is definitely out for Sunday, while Andrea Cambiaso will take a fitness test on the morning of the match. Pape Matar Sarr, meanwhile, is available following his move from Tottenham Hotspur and could feature if Spalletti decides he is needed, with more on his return to full training covered in this recent update. Nick Woltemade, who has already made his debut on loan from Newcastle United, is being assessed as a possible starter after settling in quickly at Continassa.
A lengthy list, but no room for excuses
Juventus’ perfect start to the season was halted by a 1-1 draw with Milan, rescued late on by a Federico Gatti equaliser, and the club continues to manage a lengthy casualty list that also includes Kenan Yildiz, Khephren Thuram, Jeremie Boga, Jeff Ekhator and Juan Cabal. A fuller breakdown of those cases is available in Juventus’ latest injury update. Spalletti’s message was that every absence should be treated as an opportunity for someone else to step up, not a reason to lower expectations.
Tactical freedom and the road back to Europe’s top table
The coach argued Locatelli’s absence does not force a fixed system, pointing to Douglas Luiz’s growing reliability and Teun Koopmeiners’ capacity to operate between central midfield and a mezzala role with freedom to roam. Juventus must now wait for their Europa League fixtures rather than the Champions League this week, a situation Spalletti admitted stings but framed as extra motivation, a theme tied closely to the club’s top-four ambitions for next season.
On Locatelli specifically, Spalletti expressed regret over the injury while noting that his absence spreads responsibility across the dressing room. He also described Sarr as a complete midfielder capable of running into space and resisting pressure, and said Woltemade’s early impression in training could see him handed a starting role sooner rather than later.
