Juventus: Dejan Kulusevski sidelined after undergoing minor surgery
Juventus’ winger Dejan Kulusevski will be out of action for the next week after undergoing surgery for sinusitis.
The Swedish international had started the Bianconeri’s last two Serie A outings and was in line to start a third consecutive game against Malmo in the Champions League on Wednesday night. It’s been a difficult start to the season for Kulusevski after an indifferent debut campaign but he, like the rest of his team, had shown signs of life against Salernitana and Genoa.
Those two starts are just two of four he’s made all season.
However, he now has to endure a frustrating but brief period on the sidelines after undergoing surgery.
Juventus’ confirm Kulusevski’s surgery
Medical update on Dejan Kulusevski.
— JuventusFC 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@juventusfcen) December 7, 2021
As Juventus fans were digesting news over Paulo Dybala potentially delivering an early Christmas present, the club tweeted an unexpected medical update regarding Kulusevski.
“This morning [Tuesday] Dejan Kulusevski underwent surgery for the resolution of acute sinusitis of odontogenic origin,” the statement opened.
“The intervention, performed by Dr Tubino and by Dr Ruffino at the Chivasso hospital, was a perfect success. It will take seven days of rest before the player can resume sporting activity.”
Thus, Kulusevski will miss Wednesday’s closing fixture in Group H against Malmo as well as Saturday’s Serie A trip to Venezia. The young Swede should be in contention for Juve’s clash away at Bologna on December 19 before the calendar year concludes with a home game against the lowly Cagliari.
How does Max Allegri replace Kulusevski for the next two games?
With Federico Chiesa out indefinitely, Massimiliano Allegri’s options are limited down the flanks. Federico Bernardeschi is starting to prosper as a drifter off the left touchline, but Chiesa and Kulusevski are the two primary options to play down the right.
However, with Mattia De Sciglio returning to the fold, Allegri could deploy Juan Cuadrado further upfield. Young Matias Soule is ineligible for the Champions League clash on Wednesday, but he’s a possibility for Allegri against Venezia this weekend.