Juventus manager Luciano Spalletti is prioritizing careful squad management over the final four Serie A matches, with the fitness of key attackers Kenan Yildiz, Khéphren Thuram, and Dusan Vlahovic under particular scrutiny. According to reports from Tuttosport, Spalletti has communicated internally at the club's JTC training centre the need for lucidity and risk management, despite the visible target of Champions League qualification now being tangibly close. The immediate focus is Sunday's match against Verona, where several players are working through physical issues.
Kenan Yildiz has been managing a problem with his left knee in recent weeks, which has limited his involvement. The Turkish international, known for his deep affection for the club, came off the bench in the last two matches against Milan without making a substantial impact. A partial training session on Friday, however, has raised hopes that rest has had a soothing effect, potentially making him available to start against Verona. His condition remains a day-by-day evaluation.
Similarly, Khéphren Thuram has been playing through an bone edema issue for a couple of months. The French midfielder started and played 71 minutes in the derby against Milan, but the exertion forced him into individual work upon the squad's return to training. Thuram will be closely monitored in the coming days, with his availability for the run-in not yet guaranteed. For both Yildiz and Thuram, there is an added consideration of being fit for the upcoming World Cup, though that is subordinate to securing Champions League football with Juventus.
In more positive news, Dusan Vlahovic is poised to increase his playing time after making a late substitute appearance at San Siro. Spalletti clarified the Serbian striker's role, stating he will be able to contribute in these final games, but the approach will be logical and gradual following his recent return. The manager emphasized that the future will be decided across these four matches, requiring a measured approach rather than an all-or-nothing gamble. The careful reintegration of Vlahovic provides a significant boost to Juventus's attacking options for the decisive final stretch.
