Juventus are navigating a serious injury crisis that has stripped Luciano Spalletti of his first-choice midfield options just four games into the Serie A season. Manuel Locatelli, the club captain, underwent knee surgery after picking up a problem following the 1-1 draw with AC Milan and faces close to five months on the sidelines. Khephren Thuram was already out before that, leaving a department that once boasted eight available players suddenly threadbare.

The situation has forced a remarkable rehabilitation of two players who spent much of last season on the fringes. Teun Koopmeiners and Douglas Luiz, both considered underperformers during their time in Turin, are now the starting pillars of Spalletti's midfield by necessity. Douglas Luiz has responded well enough to earn a Brazil recall under Carlo Ancelotti, a significant personal turnaround. Senegalese newcomer Pape Sarr, who arrived from Tottenham, is closing in on full fitness and could offer relief soon.

In attack, Spalletti is weighing whether to start Nick Woltemade and Randal Kolo Muani together against Sassuolo on Sunday, a tactical shift that could add physical presence in the opposition box. Woltemade, on loan from Newcastle, impressed as a substitute against Milan and has spoken openly about replicating his 17-goal Stuttgart season.

Sitting eighth with seven points from three games, Juventus have decent early returns but face a testing period ahead with so many key players unavailable.