Federico Chiesa’s devastating ACL injury may have offered Dejan Kulusevski a new lease of life at Juventus.
Chiesa injured his left knee following a challenge from AS Roma defender Chris Smalling in the first half of Sunday’s Calcio classic at the Stadio Olimpico. He trudged off the field in considerable pain and after undergoing tests at J Medical on Monday morning, it was revealed that he’ll require surgery on his damaged ACL.
The Italian winger will miss the remainder of the season as a result, with the club forced to alter their transfer plans regarding one of their attacking talents.
Dejan Kulusevski is now set to stay at Juventus after Federico Chiesa’s injury
An update on @federicochiesa's condition after #RomaJuve.
— JuventusFC 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@juventusfcen) January 10, 2022
Kulusevski was one of just a few players Juve appeared to have been willing to sell in January. Despite his talent, he’s yet to ignite in Turin and it was reported that the club would be happy to let him go for the same fee they paid for his services in 2020: €35m.
Bayern Munich, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur were all linked with a move for the young Swede with Fabio Paratici keen to reunite with Kulusevski on the Lilywhite side of north London.
However, Chiesa’s injury may have changed Juventus’ stance regarding the 21-year-old. Sky Sports Italy (via @JuveFC) reported on Monday that Kulusevski “could” now stay at the club after looking likely to leave. That would certainly be a wise move.
Kulusevski’s final chance at Juventus
Chiesa’s injury may have presented Kulusevski with one final opportunity to prove his worth at Juventus.
The Swedish international was inconsistent during his debut season at the club, but he nonetheless showed glimpses of his enormous potential. In 47 appearances under Andrea Pirlo, Kulusevski registered 15 goal contributions with his most significant arriving in the Coppa Italia final against Atalanta.
He was expected to kick on in his second season at the club, but that is yet to be the case. During the first half of 2021/22, Kulusevski looked devoid of confidence with any bright moments proving to be mere false dawns.
However, in the thrilling comeback victory over Roma on Sunday, Kulusevski scored his first Serie A goal of the season to equalise at 3-3. Could that strike amid a potentially season-altering contest for the Bianconeri ignite the Swede’s career in Turin?
Chiesa’s injury leaves Federico Bernardeschi, Kulusevski, Juan Cuadrado, Moise Kean and young Matias Soule as Allegri’s wide options. Surely the 21-year-old is set for an upsurge in minutes in the coming months?
It’s now or never for Kulusevski at Juventus.