As the international break begins, Juventus find themselves in need of recovery — both physically and mentally. The 0–0 draw against Torino at the Allianz Stadium left a sense of frustration, but Luciano Spalletti now has a chance to regroup and refocus his side ahead of the return to Serie A action against Fiorentina on 22 November.
IlBianconero outline how the pause arrives at a crucial moment for Spalletti, who is steadily getting to know his squad. With several players not called up for international duty, he can use these weeks to work more closely with them and refine his tactical approach. Even more importantly, Juventus are set to welcome back some much-needed reinforcements from injury.
The Current Injury List
Since taking charge, Spalletti has yet to enjoy a fully fit squad. Several players have missed matches due to various physical issues. The most notable absentees in recent weeks have been:
– Gleison Bremer
– Juan Cabal
– Lloyd Kelly
– Arkadiusz Milik
– Carlo Pinsoglio
Kelly Ready to Return
Among the injured, Lloyd Kelly’s situation appears the most encouraging. The English defender picked up a muscle problem just before Spalletti’s debut against Cremonese and subsequently missed the following matches. The former Newcastle player is now on track to return to full training between this week and next, making him available for the post-break fixture against Fiorentina.
Kelly’s return will give Spalletti valuable defensive flexibility. It could also allow him to consider using Teun Koopmeiners in more advanced or varied roles, rather than continuing to deploy him in defence out of necessity.
Cabal Closing in on a Comeback
Positive signs are also emerging for Juan Cabal. The Colombian defender has been out for over a month following a thigh injury sustained in the match against Villarreal. Having already missed eight consecutive games, he is close to rejoining full training during the international break.
Cabal’s comeback would be particularly significant given his long recovery from a serious cruciate ligament injury last season. Although he will need time to regain full match fitness, Spalletti values his speed and energy, and the left-sided player could soon feature again as a useful defensive option.
Bremer Still Sidelined
Less encouraging news surrounds Gleison Bremer, who continues his recovery following knee surgery. The Brazilian defender is not expected to be available for Fiorentina or the following fixtures. Alongside him, veteran goalkeeper Carlo Pinsoglio remains out with a muscle injury, leaving Spalletti still short of complete numbers in defence.
What This Means for Spalletti
While Juventus wait to see if the January transfer window brings new additions, Spalletti can already look forward to having Kelly and Cabal back in contention. Their returns should significantly bolster a defence that has been stretched thin in recent weeks and forced the coach to improvise solutions, including moving Koopmeiners into an unfamiliar role.
With Kelly and Cabal fit again, Spalletti might also consider a tactical adjustment — potentially shifting to a four-man defence, where both players could operate naturally as left-backs. This added depth and adaptability could prove vital as Juventus aim to rediscover stability and momentum in the weeks ahead.
