Juventus is facing a severe midfield crisis after losing both Khephren Thuram and Manuel Locatelli to long-term injuries that will sideline both players for approximately three months, according to reports from Football Italia and Beritajuve.id. Thuram underwent knee surgery and was left off the club’s Serie A squad list until January 2027, while club captain Locatelli requires meniscus surgery following a 1–1 draw against AC Milan on September 7, 2026, as reported by journalist Gianluca Di Marzio and cited by Ligaolahraga.com.
Midfield Options Dwindle as Juventus Prepares for Winter
The simultaneous loss of Thuram and Locatelli leaves manager Luciano Spalletti with critically limited depth in the center of the pitch. Thuram’s procedure sidelines the French midfielder until the new year, resulting in his omission from domestic league registration. Locatelli played the full 90 minutes against Milan at the Allianz Stadium in Turin but reported knee pain after the final whistle, prompting medical staff to schedule his operation.
Free Agency vs. Academy Promotion: The Decision on Augusto Owusu
With the summer transfer window closed, clubs retain the right to sign unattached players. Media reports previously linked Juventus to veteran free agent Marcelo Brozovic, the former Inter Milan midfielder. However, according to reporting from TMW cited by Beritajuve.id, the Bianconeri hierarchy chose not to prioritize external signings. Instead, the club opted to promote 21-year-old academy product Augusto Sedorf Owusu from the Juventus Next Gen U-23 squad to the senior team.
Did you know? Augusto Sedorf Owusu was already named to the matchday squad for the Serie A fixture against AC Milan on September 7, 2026, though he remained on the bench as Teun Koopmeiners, Nick Woltemade, and Federico Gatti featured in the 1–1 draw.
Next Steps for the Juventus Youth Setup
Owusu’s permanent promotion means the young midfielder will remain with the senior squad rather than featuring in Serie C for the club’s satellite team until at least early 2027, according to Tuttosport reporting cited by Ligaolahraga.com. This emergency elevation tests whether internal talent can bridge the gap left by two vital starters during a demanding stretch of the domestic campaign.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Khephren Thuram absent from the Juventus Serie A squad?
Thuram underwent knee surgery and is not expected to return until January 2027, leading the club to leave him off the domestic roster.
What injury forced Manuel Locatelli to undergo surgery?
Locatelli sustained a meniscus injury during the match against AC Milan, requiring an operation that will sideline him for roughly three months, according to reports from Gianluca Di Marzio.
Who is Augusto Sedorf Owusu?
Owusu is a 21-year-old midfielder and product of the Juventus youth academy who has been promoted from the Juventus Next Gen U-23 team to the senior squad.
Did Juventus sign any free agents to replace the injured midfielders?
No. Despite links to former Inter Milan midfielder Marcelo Brozovic, Juventus chose to promote internally rather than sign an unattached player.
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