Juventus star Manuel Locatelli is unlikely to make his return from injury in time for the clash against Inter Milan.
The 25-year-old suffered a rib fracture in his side’s previous encounter against Cagliari.
After receiving a call-up for Italy’s last two Euro 2024 qualifiers, the national team’s medical staff immediately sent him back, deeming him unfit to play.
The former Sassuolo man has been trying to overcome this knock and put himself at Max Allegri’s disposal for the Derby d’Italia showdown.
But according to Tuttosport via FcInterNews, Locatelli’s return is becoming increasingly difficult.
The Turin-based newspaper notes that the Italian will try to shake off his injury until the eleventh hour. However, his recovery remains highly unlikely.
Therefore, Allegri will have to find new tactical solutions in the absence of his main Regista.
Manuel Locatelli Unlikely To Recover In Time For Juventus Vs Inter Milan Clash
Luckily for the Livorno native, he should be able to rely on Weston McKennie and Fabio Miretti despite recent injury scares.
The midfield duo should be fit enough to join Adrien Rabiot in the middle of the park.
The Frenchman usually operates as a box-to-box midfielder. But on this occasion, the former PSG man will likely start as a defensive midfielder to cover for Locatelli’s absence.
The source believes Allegri prefers this tactical solution over thrusting in Hans Nicolussi Caviglia who only made one appearance this season.
In addition to Locatelli’s expected absence, Juventus will also be without their captain Danilo and USMNT star Timothy Weah.
The match takes place at the Allianz Stadium on Sunday. It kicks off at 20:45 CET.
