Juventus’s first day of pre-season at the Continassa was supposed to mark the beginning of a new chapter — Luciano Spalletti’s first full campaign from day one, with a clear mandate to return the club to the Champions League and compete for every available trophy. Instead, the morning of 13 July brought an unwelcome development that cast a shadow over what should have been a day of optimism.
Khéphren Thuram reported to the J-Medical centre with a conspicuous bandage around his right knee, having been diagnosed with patellofemoral syndrome — an inflammation of the joint between the kneecap and the femur that will require a further period of rest and targeted treatment before the French midfielder can participate fully in training. The precise timeline for his return to full availability has not been officially confirmed, but it is understood he will be sidelined for some additional time beyond the opening days of pre-season.
A Double Injury Headache on Day One
The Thuram situation lands alongside an already-known concern over Kenan Yıldız, who is managing a patellar tendinopathy in his own knee and is expected to return to the Continassa around 20 July — a week after pre-season has begun. That two of Juventus’s most important midfield and attacking players are both dealing with knee complaints at the very start of the season is, to put it plainly, an uncomfortable coincidence.
For Spalletti, who has spent all summer requesting the reinforcements he needs to build a competitive squad, beginning pre-season without either his first-choice creative midfielder or his most coveted wide forward fully fit adds a layer of complexity to an already challenging opening period.
Thuram’s Transfer Future Remains Open
The injury also adds a further dimension to Thuram’s already uncertain transfer situation. As reported, a sale remains possible should the right offer arrive — Liverpool, PSG, and Galatasaray have all been mentioned, with the bianconeri holding firm at a minimum of €40 million. A player who reports for pre-season with a knee injury that prevents immediate training participation is not the most straightforward asset to move in the current market — but for a club that needs to generate capital gains, the motivation to sell, at the right price, has not diminished.
For now, Thuram will work with the medical staff to address the patellofemoral issue as swiftly and safely as possible. The priority is his fitness. Everything else — the transfer speculation, the squad planning, the financial calculations — comes after.
