Juventus set to be without four players for Napoli clash
Andrea Pirlo will have his work cut out for the upcoming Serie A clash with Napoli after reports emerged that the Juventus boss will be without four stars for Saturday’s bout.
Goal’s Juve correspondent Romeo Agresti understands that Paulo Dybala, Arthur Melo and Aaron Ramsey are all ruled out for the trip to Naples, while skipper Leonardo Bonucci is a major doubt.
Following a majestic 2019/20 campaign under the tutelage of Maurizio Sarri, La Joya has endured a stuttering start to Pirlo’s reign in Turin – with injuries playing a major factor.
The dazzling Argentine had enjoyed an upturn in form at the start of the new year – notching a pair of assists in the 3-1 win over league-leaders Milan – but he sustained a minor knee ligament injury in the victory over Sassuolo on 10 January and has been out of action since.
Dybala, however, is expected to return to action soon, with Juve CFO Fabio Paritici saying “his injury isn’t as bad as previously thought” at the end of January. While a return against Napoli is out of the question, the Argentine could return for the Porto clash next week.
Arthur Melo is the biggest blow for Juventus at Napoli
More from Old Juve
- Juventus beat Udinese 3-0 in first match of the season
- Team previews: Will Juventus’ attack fulfill its potential?
- Team Previews: Juventus midfielders need to show growth this year
- Team previews: Juventus defenders look ready to compete for Scudetto
- Leonardo Bonucci may be leaving Juventus soon
Ramsey, meanwhile, has been out of action since his late cameo – in which he scored – against Sampdoria at the end of last month. The timeframe for his return is unknown, with the nature of his injury undisclosed.
The biggest blow for Pirlo, though, is undoubtedly Arthur, who could be out for some time with a leg injury.
The Brazilian missed the second leg stalemate with the Nerazzurri with a fever, but Juventus have since released a statement revealing the former Barcelona man’s injury.
“The instrumental examinations performed following Arthur’s pain in the right leg revealed the presence of a post-traumatic calcification at the level of the interosseous membrane,” the announcement read.
“His conditions will be monitored from day to day and his resumption of activity will take place as soon as the symptoms allow.”
Juve’s number five is set to be sidelined for a while with the problem, meaning Adrien Rabiot and Rodrigo Bentancur are set to continue as the midfield pivot for the foreseeable future unless Pirlo opts to deploy Weston McKennie central – as he did to start the campaign. The American’s success in a marauding role from the flank, however, means that this is unlikely.
And finally, Bonucci. It’s understood to be a muscle strain for the veteran Italian, who was forced off late on in last week’s 2-0 triumph over Roma, and he’s unlikely to be risked for the upcoming fixture at the San Paolo.
However, with Matthijs de Ligt and Merih Demiral waiting in the wings, it’s fair to say that Pirlo has more than competent replacements at his disposal.