IlBianconero report that Juan Cabal has finally returned to training with the Juventus squad, nine months after the devastating knee injury that sidelined him. The Colombian defender had only made nine appearances for the Bianconeri before suffering a cruciate ligament tear while on international duty, ending a season that kept him away from the pitch alongside fellow defender Gleison Bremer.
With less than a week to go before Juventus host Inter, Cabal is once again available to coach Igor Tudor, who now has an extra defensive option to call upon as the team enters a crucial part of the campaign.
Where Cabal Can Play
Cabal last featured under Thiago Motta before the injury struck in November. Since Tudor’s arrival, he has been focused solely on his recovery, going through months of gym work and careful buildup before finally rejoining squad sessions.
In Tudor’s 3-4-2-1 system, the Colombian can be deployed as the left-sided centre-back, a role in which he offers valuable balance thanks to being left-footed, along with Kelly. Cabal also provides cover as a left wing-back, where he can alternate with the suspended Andrea Cambiaso or Filip Kostic, who stepped in during the recent match against Genoa.
Chances of Featuring Against Inter
While Cabal’s return is a major boost, it remains unlikely he will start against Inter. Having only just resumed group training, he is still far from peak match sharpness. A gradual reintroduction to competitive action is the plan, but Tudor has not ruled out using him as a substitute if needed in the Derby d’Italia.
The most important takeaway for Juventus is simply having Cabal back on the pitch. His versatility and determination to regain full form could prove valuable as the season progresses, giving Tudor another weapon in both defensive solidity and tactical flexibility.
