Paulo Dybala could return amidst other injury concerns for Juventus
Juventus will fly to Estádio do Dragão to face Porto in the first leg of this season’s Champions League round of 16 tie on Wednesday. Ahead of this crucial matchday, Andrea Pirlo has something unique to celebrate as Paulo Dybala is on his way to full fitness from a reported Medial Collateral Ligament Injury.
Juventus, despite playing apparently well, had to endure a narrow 1-0 defeat against Napoli on Saturday. Lorenzo Insigne’s spot-kick from a controversial VAR call went on to be the decisive moment of the game, with Juventus getting their first setback since their 2-0 humbling to Inter Milan earlier this year.
In the words of head coach Andrea Pirlo, however, it was not the lack of persistence from his frontmen but the miraculous saves from Napoli goalkeeper Alex Meret that sealed the deal for the hosts.
Besides the result, there was another incident that has increased Juventus; misery. Juan Cuadrado was taken off the pitch at half-time. And it was told that the Colombian had sustained a muscle injury during the first half.
Juventus could have Paulo Dybala available on the bench against FC Porto
According to a story published in Sky Italia, the versatile full-back is set to miss the next games—Potro in the Champions League and Crotone in Serie A—through that particular injury.
The report also suggests that Paulo Dybala is ready for his return but is only expected to get a berth on the substitute bench in the midweek.
On the other hand, Juventus are yet to know the severity of Arthur’s injury and how many games the Brazilian could possibly miss for the Old Lady.
As elaborated by the Bianconeri’s performance against Napoli, Arthur is an important figure and plays a focal role in the midfield for Pirlo’s men. And on Saturday, his absence was wholly felt at the heart of Juve’s midfield.
The longer Arthur would be on the sideline, the more critical this situation could become with Juve’s unsettled midfield, with doubts also looming over the former Arsenal man Aaron Ramsey.
Juventus were good on Saturday. What was not there to cure their distress is preciseness with their attempts in the final third. The same should not be expected from the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Alvaro Morata on Wednesday night.