Juventus manage Yildiz knee issue ahead of crucial Bologna clash
Juventus are managing a persistent knee issue affecting forward Kenan Yildiz, with the club implementing a personalised training programme for the teenager ahead of Sunday's pivotal Serie A match against Bologna. According to reports from Italy, Yildiz has been grappling with patellar tendinopathy in his left knee, a recurring and troublesome inflammation that requires careful management. The 19-year-old was substituted at half-time during last weekend's draw with Atalanta as a precautionary measure.
Manager Luciano Spalletti has since held the player out of full team training this week, opting for gym work instead, with Yildiz expected to rejoin the main group on Friday. The decision underscores both the importance of the player to Juventus's plans and the club's desire to avoid aggravating the condition during a critical phase of the season. Yildiz has been a near-ever-present under Spalletti, starting 29 of the coach's 33 games in charge since his arrival.
The Turkish international's influence has been significant, contributing to 25% of Juventus's goals since November with eight goals and six assists. Only Weston McKennie, who is set to return from suspension this weekend, has been involved in a higher proportion. Yildiz's ability to play through discomfort was demonstrated by his run of 11 consecutive starts across Serie A and the Champions League, amassing 933 minutes, before the recent intervention.
The club's medical staff are overseeing a tailored plan to have him ready for the visit of Thiago Motta's Bologna, a match with major implications for the Champions League qualification race. Spalletti is reportedly planning to field a strong, hybrid 4-2-3-1 formation, with Yildiz expected to reclaim his starting berth if he passes final fitness checks.
Meanwhile, the injury situation elsewhere at Juventus remains mixed. Goalkeeper Mattia Perin continues to work separately due to a calf issue and is considered a major doubt for Sunday, potentially leaving Marco Di Gregorio to start again. Striker Dusan Vlahovic and youngster Vasilije Adzic are still recovering from a soleus strain and an ankle sprain respectively, with updates on their progress expected next week.
Defender Juan Cabal has been ruled out for at least a month with an adductor injury, effectively ending his season with the Bianconeri. The Colombian is still expected to travel for the upcoming World Cup with his national team, in what is seen as a potential shop window ahead of a likely summer departure from Turin. The club's handling of Yildiz's chronic issue highlights the balancing act between short-term competitive needs and the long-term protection of a key asset.
