Juventus are stepping up a gear and setting their sights on AZ Alkmaar. After the exertions of the league, the Bianconeri returned to the pitch to prepare for the European trip, with Luciano Spalletti rationing energy and recoveries ahead of the Europa League match.
McKennie and Cabal Back With the Group
The most encouraging news concerns McKennie, who has returned to working with his teammates after the fatigue he suffered against Napoli. His availability remains a question mark, though. The squad is already full of absentees, and the club does not want to take further risks.
The session began with a differentiated warm-up for McKennie and Cabal, after which both joined the rest of the squad as normal. The signs are especially positive for the American, who had been doubtful with an adductor strain. The Colombian had also finished the Napoli match with some physical problems, affected by cramps. Both returned to training with their teammates after an initial phase of individual work.
The group played a small-sided game using their hands, in which Spalletti demanded a great deal of intensity. “Push him, knock him down,” the manager shouted.
Çelik: One to Monitor
Zeki Çelik, still recovering from his hamstring injury, followed a personalised programme on a pitch next to the one used by the rest of the squad. The situation is one to monitor, and the earlier timeline had him returning around the Venezia match on 22 November.
Four Youngsters Join In
The session was not only about recoveries and managing knocks. Several young players from the youth sector were aggregated to the first team. They include Destiny Elimoghale, fresh from his contract renewal and one of the most interesting prospects in the Juventus academy, as well as Pagnucco, Merola and Owusu, who were asked to help the group during preparation.
The use of academy players fits the depleted state of the squad and the club’s wider emphasis on young and home-grown talent, which Carnevali stressed at Tuesday’s shareholders’ meeting.
Ekhator Eases Back
One small detail concerned Jeff Ekhator, who has just been added to the UEFA list. He began his warm-up earlier than his teammates, having only just returned from a muscle injury that kept him out for two months.
The page links to Tuttosport’s probable line-up gallery, titled “Spalletti and the latest idea: an unprecedented strike pairing,” suggesting a new attacking partnership for the match. If you share that piece, I can write it up.
