La Gazzetta dello Sport report how Luciano Spalletti’s best signing this season might not come from the transfer market, but from within. Juventus are set to welcome back their defensive leader, Gleison Bremer, after receiving encouraging medical news from France. The Brazilian centre-back, sidelined since late September, has been given the all-clear to resume gradual training with the squad, paving the way for his full return in early December.
Bremer underwent a crucial medical check-up at the Hôpital Privé Jean Mermoz in Lyon with knee specialist Bertrand Sonnery-Cottet, the surgeon who operated on his left knee in both October 2024 (ligament repair) and last month (meniscus). The outcome brought a green light to resume work with the group, marking the start of his countdown to a long-awaited comeback.
If his recovery progresses smoothly, Spalletti could have Bremer available for the high-profile trip to Napoli on 7 December — potentially his first match under the new manager. Failing that, the 28-year-old could return for one of the games that follow: the Champions League clash with Pafos on 10 December or the Serie A trip to Bologna four days later.
The Difference with Bremer
Since his injury, Juventus have visibly lacked solidity at the back. The team have lost three matches this season — against Como, Real Madrid, and Lazio — all of which came in Bremer’s absence. Before that, the Brazilian was unbeaten, contributing to a run of victories over Parma, Genoa, and Inter, plus draws with Borussia Dortmund, Verona, and Atalanta. His absence coincided with the collapse of Igor Tudor’s tenure, underlining just how indispensable he is to the side’s balance and defensive identity.
Spalletti, appointed on 30 October following Tudor’s dismissal, has yet to coach Bremer in a single session but understands the importance of his presence. In terms of leadership, communication, and sheer reliability, the Brazilian is the cornerstone of Juventus’ rearguard. For a coach looking to solidify his system, his return could prove the real “January signing” — arriving a month ahead of the transfer window.
Building the Wall Again
Financial constraints and UEFA’s Financial Fair Play limits mean Juventus are unlikely to make major moves in January. Their focus will instead be on tactical fine-tuning and recovering key players. For Spalletti, bringing back Bremer a few weeks before the window reopens could be more valuable than any incoming signing. Whether in a back three or a four-man defence, the former Torino defender has repeatedly shown he can adapt and lead by example.
Meanwhile, other encouraging signs are emerging in the defensive department. Lloyd Kelly, who has yet to feature under Spalletti due to a thigh injury sustained against Udinese, returned to training at Continassa this week. Colombian defender Juan Cabal is also nearing full fitness and could rejoin the squad between the Fiorentina fixture and the Europa tie against Bodo.
