There are hours of reflection at the Continassa. Ahead of the trip to the Netherlands to face AZ Alkmaar, Juventus are weighing whether to modify their UEFA squad list.
Ekhator for Locatelli
The captain, Manuel Locatelli, has been stopped by an injury with a prognosis of more than 60 days. Under the plan being considered, he could temporarily make way for Jeff Ekhator, who has returned to availability for Spalletti. The route is provided by UEFA regulations, specifically Article 31.14. During the league phase, and up to and including matchday six, it allows a club to temporarily replace one outfield player on List A in the event of a long-term injury or illness, provided the unavailability is at least 60 days.
The window is narrow but real. Matchday four is on Thursday, so Juventus have the benefit of the rule for the matches that remain in the league phase up to matchday six.
For Spalletti, the practical effect would be another attacking option in Europe at a time when Yıldız and Conceição are unavailable and Kolo Muani and Woltemade have given mixed returns. Ekhator has made no official appearance this season after two muscle injuries, so registration alone does not mean he will be played.
No “Yıldız Case” in Turkey
The second item concerns Kenan Yıldız and the Turkish national team. Turkish FA president İbrahim Hacıosmanoğlu has clarified the situation, dismissing reports that some players were unreachable for the new national coach, Sergen Yalçın.
“They are speculation, it is impossible,” he said. “Yıldız is injured, and he would have come to the national team without any problem.”
It remains to be seen whether Yıldız will accept the call-up, even though he is injured, in order to meet the new coach. The question has an obvious sensitivity for Juventus, whose most valuable asset is still working his way back from fifth-metatarsal surgery, with a December return targeted. Tuttosport links to an earlier piece about Spalletti’s anti-crisis unit having Yıldız, Locatelli and Thuram all based at the J Hotel, which suggests the club wants its injured stars close to the group.
