Gleison Bremer and Daniele Rugani have made their return to the Juventus squad after overcoming recent injuries, as coach Luciano Spalletti announces a 23-player list ahead of the Champions League match against Pafos on Wednesday evening.
Juventus is eager to revive their European campaign following a disappointing 2-1 defeat to Napoli in Serie A over the weekend. The team’s current position in the Champions League standings is precarious; sitting 23rd with six points from five matches, they must finish in the top 24 to secure a spot in the play-offs.
Bremer has been sidelined since October 13 due to surgery for a meniscus issue, while Rugani has been out since mid-November with a soleus injury. Although both players are back in training, they are expected to start on the bench during the upcoming match.
Federico Gatti, who also missed the recent Napoli clash with a meniscus injury, is anticipated to remain unavailable for at least another month. Additionally, Dusan Vlahovic continues to recover from adductor surgery, and veteran goalkeeper Carlo Pinsoglio, along with long-term absentee Arkadiusz Milik, round out the list of injured players, leaving Juventus with a relatively healthy squad.
Summer signing Edon Zhegrova is included in the lineup, poised to possibly make his first start for Juventus against Pafos. The match also raises anticipation over whether Jonathan David or Lois Openda will take on the lead striker role, while Kenan Yildiz is set to partner with Zhegrova in attack.
Spalletti will look to utilize his returning defenders as Juventus aims for a crucial victory to bolster their chances of advancing in the tournament. The optimism surrounding the return of key players presents a hopeful outlook as the team prepares for this pivotal clash.