Juventus Injury Update: Yildiz Sidelined, Gatti and Ekhator Return, and Two Replacement Options Emerge

FolioPitch.com – 27 August 2026 | Juventus have two options to replace Yildiz as two more stars return from injury, according to reports from Turin. The Bianconeri have been dealt a major blow with the news that Kenan Yildiz could be sidelined for up to three months after fracturing a metatarsal in his left foot. However, there is encouraging news on the training ground, as Federico Gatti and summer signing Jeff Ekhator have both returned to full training ahead of Saturday’s Serie A clash with Parma.

The injury to Yildiz occurred during Juventus’s opening league match of the season, a 1-0 win away at Frosinone. Initial reports suggested the Turkey international would be unavailable for around two months, but after consulting a specialist on Tuesday, the recovery timeline has been extended to roughly three months, meaning Yildiz is likely to be out until late November. The club are now assessing their options to fill the void on the left side of the attack.

Juventus have two options to replace Yildiz as two more stars return from injury, and both are already within the squad. The first is Kerim Alajbegovic, who joined the club this summer and has been tipped as a future star. The young winger impressed in pre-season and is seen as the natural deputy for Yildiz in that creative left-forward role. The second option is Jeremie Boga, whose loan from OGC Nice was made permanent earlier this year after a strong second half to the 2025-26 campaign. Boga offers more experience and directness, and he could be called upon to start against Parma.

While the club are not expected to enter the transfer market to replace Yildiz directly, they remain active in their pursuit of a different type of attacker. Reports suggest that Luciano Spalletti has identified Alexander Sorloth as the preferred target to provide competition for Randal Kolo Muani in the centre-forward position. This would add a physical presence to the squad, allowing Juventus to rotate their attack more effectively as the season progresses.

The return of Gatti and Ekhator is a significant boost for the squad. Gatti missed the season opener after a bizarre incident in a friendly against the Next Gen side, where a supporter accidentally tackled him from behind, causing a minor injury. Ekhator, who joined from Genoa in July, suffered a setback shortly after his arrival but is now back in contention. Both players are pushing to be included in the matchday squad against Parma, giving Juventus more depth in defence and up front.

Juventus have two options to replace Yildiz as two more stars return from injury, but the club’s coaching staff will need to make a decision on who starts on the left against Parma. Alajbegovic offers youthful energy and technical ability, while Boga brings pace and Serie A experience. Both have their merits, and it is possible that Spalletti could rotate them depending on the opponent and fitness levels.

The injury to Yildiz is undoubtedly a setback for Juventus, but the return of Gatti and Ekhator, along with the emergence of Alajbegovic and the experienced Boga, means the squad is not short of options. The club’s medical staff will continue to monitor Yildiz’s progress, with an operation not yet ruled out. If surgery is required, the recovery time could be even longer, but the early signs are that the Turkish playmaker will be back before the end of the year.

Looking ahead, Juventus face Parma at the Allianz Stadium on Saturday, a match that will be crucial for building momentum. With the squad almost back to full strength, the Bianconeri will be eager to secure back-to-back wins and lay down a marker for the rest of the season. The absence of Yildiz means others must step up, and the two main candidates to replace him will be under the spotlight.

In conclusion, while the loss of Yildiz is a bitter pill to swallow, Juventus have two options to replace Yildiz as two more stars return from injury, and both Alajbegovic and Boga have the quality to make an impact. The return of Gatti and Ekhator adds further depth, and with the transfer window still open, the club’s management is keeping an eye on potential reinforcements, particularly in attack. For now, the focus is on Parma, and the players available are determined to prove that Juventus can cope without their star man.