Overview
- Thuram was left out of Juventus's squad for the Parma match and is due to fly to Lyon early next week for a consultation with knee surgeon Bertrand Sonnery-Cottet to decide between further treatment or surgery.
- Coach Luciano Spalletti has publicly said he is “very worried,” reflecting concern inside the club about Thuram's ability to return quickly to first-team duty.
- The midfielder's patellofemoral problem dates back to last spring, cost him a France World Cup call-up, and forced him to train separately for about 40 days through pre-season, limiting his early availability.
- If Sonnery-Cottet recommends surgery, Thuram would face a significantly longer lay-off and Juventus say they will intensify their search for midfield cover after talks to sign Franck Kessié collapsed.
- Reports note Sonnery-Cottet previously operated on Juventus players Gleison Bremer and Federico Gatti, making this early-September consultation the key milestone that will determine Turin's medical and transfer response.