What Juventus players returned for the start of pre-season?

Massimiliano Allegri oversaw his first training session since returning as Juventus boss on Thursday after the players returned to Continassa on Wednesday.

It’s been almost two months since Allegri was re-appointed as Juve boss after Andrea Pirlo guided the Bianconeri to a disappointing fourth-place finish in Serie A during his sole season at the helm. Pirlo, however, did claim two pieces of silverware in charge.

Nevertheless, Allegri is back and he oversaw the first training session of the 2021/22 season at Continassa on Thursday morning.

The club’s official website wrote that “two training sessions were on the menu today: the players first focused on a series of technique exercises, and then dedicated themselves to a subsequent phase of athletic work.”

The players then took part in a gym session in the afternoon after spending some time in the J | Hotel.

Preparations will continue ahead of their first pre-season fixture against Monza on July 31. The club will also travel to the Nou Camp to take on Barcelona in the Gamper Trophy next month.

Who took part?

Players returned for medicals on Wednesday before partaking in training a day later. While those who were involved at both the European Championship and Copa America for their respective countries are yet to return, plenty of familiar faces were back at Continassa.

The likes of Paulo Dybala, Weston McKennie, Nicolo Fagioli, Daniele Rugani, Felix Correia and Gianluca Frabotta were all in action.

The numbers are expected to grow in the coming days, with Cristiano Ronaldo poised to report for pre-season duty on July 20 after enjoying a holiday in Majorca with his family.

Arthur’s injury update

Arthur Melo’s maiden season in Turin was plagued by injury and it’s been reported by TuttoJuve’s Mirko Di Natale that the Brazilian will undergo surgery tomorrow (July 16).

The tests he underwent on Wednesday showed that the calcification in his leg is on the mend, allowing him to have the requisite operation as soon as possible. Surgery hasn’t been possible in recent weeks as the previous levels of calcification wouldn’t allow it. He would’ve risked aggravating the injury.

Nevertheless, there’s optimism that Arthur could return to training before the end of August providing the surgery is a success.