Juventus face anxious wait over Manuel Locatelli injury

Juventus captain Manuel Locatelli could be sidelined for about three months after sustaining a knee injury during the recent Serie A match against Milan.

The 28-year-old midfielder completed the game and remained on the pitch until the final whistle, but the extent of the problem has raised concern within the club.

According to Tuttosport, Locatelli may require surgery on his meniscus if the worst fears surrounding the injury are confirmed. Such an operation would keep him out of action for approximately three months.

The report remains subject to the results of further medical examinations. Locatelli is due to undergo tests on Tuesday, when Juventus should receive a clearer assessment of the damage and a more accurate indication of how long he may be unavailable.

Until those examinations have been completed, the club has not established the midfielder’s definitive recovery timetable. The possibility of a lengthy absence, however, would represent a significant concern for Juventus, with Locatelli serving as the team’s captain.

The timing of the injury also comes ahead of Juventus’ next Serie A fixture. Luciano Spalletti’s side are scheduled to travel to face Sassuolo on 13 September in the fourth round of the Italian championship.

Locatelli’s availability for that match will depend on the outcome of Tuesday’s medical assessment. If the injury does require the reported meniscus operation, he would be expected to miss that fixture and a substantial period of subsequent action.

For now, the midfielder’s ability to finish the match against Milan offers no indication of whether he will be able to return quickly. The potential seriousness of the injury will instead be determined by the medical examination, with the club awaiting more precise information before setting out a recovery plan.

The initial concern is therefore focused on whether Locatelli has damaged his meniscus and whether surgery will be necessary. A confirmed diagnosis and expected return date are due to follow after the tests on Tuesday.