Juventus confirm Grabara successful ACL surgery, seven-month lay-off after debut injury

Grabara set for long absence after debut setback

Juventus have confirmed Kamil Grabara has undergone successful surgery to reconstruct the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee, with the 27-year-old goalkeeper facing up to seven months on the sidelines after sustaining a serious injury on his debut for the club in the Europa League.

Grabara sustained the injury during a training session just two days after making his debut for Juventus during a 5-0 victory over NEC in the Europa League. The 27-year-old, who is on a season-long loan with the Serie A giants from Wolfsburg, provided the assist for Nico Gonzalez's opener at Allianz Stadium.

Juventus said in a statement: "Kamil Grabara underwent surgery this afternoon to reconstruct the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee. The procedure, performed at the Guardian Clinic in Konin by Dr Andrzej Pyda, in the presence of Juventus Club Doctor Dr Marco Freschi, was a complete success. The player will begin his rehabilitation programme in the coming days, with a view to returning to competitive action."

Goalkeeping reshuffle compounds blow

The injury comes following a summer of changes in the goalkeeping department at Juventus. The Bianconeri allowed Michele Di Gregorio and Mattia Perin to leave the club, while also bringing in Guglielmo Vicario on loan from Premier League side Tottenham.

With the transfer window now shut, Juventus are reportedly close to agreeing a deal with Neto, who previously played in Turin between 2015 and 2017. Neto is a free agent following the termination of his contract with Botafogo in June, and he is set to sign until the end of the season, according to reports.

The Brazilian played 22 times across all competitions during his previous stint with Juventus, keeping 12 clean sheets and winning five major honours. Since his exit from Juventus nine years ago, he has gone on to represent Valencia, Barcelona, Bournemouth, Arsenal and most recently, Botafogo.

Juventus are seventh in Serie A after their first five games of the season, and they return to action after the international break against Cagliari on October 11.