Juventus Faces Injury Crisis as Locatelli and Boga Sidelined

Juventus’ injury list has turned from concern into full-blown crisis.

The club confirmed on Monday that Manuel Locatelli has undergone knee surgery, while Jeremie Boga will also be sidelined for several weeks with a thigh problem. Both blows land just days after the 1-1 draw with Milan, a match that has left more scars than just the scoreline.

Locatelli out until 2027

Locatelli’s situation is the most serious. The midfielder suffered a meniscus tear in his right knee during that draw with Milan at the Allianz Stadium on Sunday and has now gone under the knife.

Juventus announced that the Italy international had surgery in Lyon to suture the external meniscus. It’s a delicate procedure and, crucially, one that demands patience rather than shortcuts.

Initial indications are bleak. Locatelli is not expected back before 2027, with Sky Sport Italia reporting that his absence could stretch to five or even six months. For a player who anchors the midfield and sets the rhythm, it is a brutal interruption.

Boga adds to growing list

As if that weren’t enough, Boga has joined him in the treatment room.

The winger has been diagnosed with a medium-grade lesion to the femoral biceps in his left thigh. It’s the kind of muscular injury that punishes explosive players most, stripping them of the very acceleration that defines their game.

Juventus’ medical staff will reassess Boga in two weeks after further tests, but the timeline is already clear: he is expected to be out for at least a month, with the more realistic estimate around five weeks.

A squad stretched to the limit

These setbacks arrive on top of an already alarming casualty list. For the recent clash with Milan, Juventus were forced to do without Kenan Yildiz, Khephren Thuram, Weston McKennie, Jeff Ekhator, Juan Cabal, Andrea Cambiaso and Pape Matar Sarr.

Now Locatelli and Boga have been added to that roll call.

What began as a selection headache is turning into a strategic problem. With the season grinding on and the fixtures piling up, how long can Juventus keep absorbing these blows before it starts to reshape their ambitions?