Juventus midfielder Khephren Thuram is managing a persistent bone edema as the club enters the final stretch of the Serie A season, according to reports from Italy. The French international is determined to play through the discomfort, starting with Sunday's match against Hellas Verona, as Juventus fights to secure a Champions League qualification spot.
Thuram has been dealing with the issue for a couple of months, which requires careful management of his training and match minutes. He was substituted after 70 minutes in the recent draw with AC Milan as a precaution. Despite the injury, the 23-year-old has become an increasingly important figure for manager Luciano Spalletti, valued for his physicality and ability to drive the team forward. Spalletti has also encouraged him to take more shots from distance, though his finishing remains a work in progress.
The final four games of the season represent a critical examination for Juventus, with Champions League qualification being the minimum objective to validate the early stages of Spalletti's project. Thuram's availability is seen as key to providing the energy and vertical thrust needed in midfield during this decisive period. His personal motivation is also high, with hopes of being selected for the French national team squad for the upcoming summer tournaments.
In other team news, young forward Kenan Yildiz is expected to return to group training today after overcoming inflammation in his left knee. The Turkish teenager has missed recent sessions and could be in contention for a place against Verona if he shows positive signs in training. Meanwhile, striker Dusan Vlahovic is also progressing cautiously after his own injury-plagued season. The Serbian is reportedly in good condition but will likely begin on the bench against Verona, with Spalletti planning to gradually increase his minutes to avoid any risk of a setback following his recent ten-minute cameo against Milan.
The injury updates come at a pivotal time, with Juventus facing Verona, who are currently second-from-bottom in the league, at the Allianz Stadium. Securing maximum points is imperative to maintain their position in the top four. The club's medical and coaching staffs are walking a tightrope, needing key players available for the run-in while also protecting them from aggravating existing issues. The management of Thuram, in particular, will be closely watched, as his dynamism could be the difference in tight matches as the season reaches its climax.
