2 Juventus players set to return from injury vs Inter Milan
A blockbuster Serie A fixture greets Juventus following the conclusion of the March international break as they host Inter Milan in the Derby d’Italia.
The fixture now has huge implications in the Scudetto race with Juventus’ stellar domestic form and Inter’s recent slump condensing the gap between the top-four. While the Bianconeri remain firm outsiders for the time being, victory over the Nerazzurri on 3 April will thrust them into serious contention.
Excluding the European humiliation, Massimiliano Allegri has masterfully managed the Juve squad amid an injury crisis. There were games where Allegri was without nine first-teamers before the Bianconeri got healthier before the break. The likes of Daniele Rugani, Mattia De Sciglio, Giorgio Chiellini and Paulo Dybala have returned to full fitness after spells on the sidelines.
And after the break, Allegri should welcome back another two players from injury.
Denis Zakaria & Alex Sandro are both poised to return from injury after the March international break
January arrival Denis Zakaria had enjoyed a promising start to life in Turin before he picked up a thigh injury in the 3-2 win over Empoli that has seen him miss five games.
Juventus have been incredibly thin in midfield in his absence, with Weston McKennie sidelined since the first leg against Villarreal, but the Swiss international is set to return to the fold for the Derby d’Italia.
La Gazzetta dello Sport’s Giovanni Albanese reports that Zakaria and Alex Sandro are “aiming to return to the field after the break”.
Alex Sandro picked up a calf injury in late February which ruled him out for two weeks before he made a substitute appearance in the victory over Sampdoria. However, the Brazilian aggravated his injury and he missed Juve’s previous two outings as a result.
Luca Pellegrini has stepped up ably in his absence and many believe he should be considered the starter over the fading veteran. The 31-year-old could leave the club this summer.