Juventus Injury Crisis Deepens as Nico Gonzalez and Celik Ruled Out Until International Break

Bianconeri Beset by Fresh Setbacks

Juventus' injury problems have worsened again, with Nico Gonzalez and Zeki Celik both ruled out until after the international break, according to Tuttosport. The Argentine is sidelined with a problem to his soleus muscle, while the Turkish defender has sustained a femoral bicep issue. There is also concern over Sarr, who is a doubt for the weekend trip to Lecce after suffering an adductor problem.

The scale of the crisis is laid bare by one stark statistic: Juventus players have already missed 59 games between them this season.

Rennes Fallout Confirmed

The two injuries follow the muscular problems both players suffered during Juventus' 2-2 Europa League draw with Rennes on Thursday evening. As reported by Football Italia on 23 October, the club subsequently confirmed that Nicolás González and Zeki Celik were both set for spells on the sidelines. Celik had opened the scoring after five minutes in that match before Juventus slipped behind.

The Rennes setback further depleted an already thin attacking group, and the latest updates only add to Massimiliano Allegri's selection headaches.

Woltemade Ready to Step In

Amid the gloom there was a glimmer of attacking encouragement, with Woltemade training in the penalty area ahead of the Lecce fixture. The forward is expected to partner Kolo in attack as Juventus look to cope without their injured regulars.

The mounting absentee list will be a major test of squad depth as the Serie A season intensifies.