Juventus are navigating one of the most difficult injury crises in recent memory, and it is reshaping Spalletti's squad before the season has barely begun. The loss of captain Manuel Locatelli to knee surgery is the most serious blow, ruling him out for close to five months and leaving a significant gap in a midfield that was already stretched. Khephren Thuram had already been sidelined, and Jeremie Boga has since joined the casualty list, meaning Spalletti must piece together his team from a depleted group.

The crisis has forced a rapid reassessment of players who were previously considered peripheral. Teun Koopmeiners and Douglas Luiz, both of whom endured difficult first seasons at the club, are now the engine room by necessity. Douglas Luiz has responded well, earning a recall to the Brazil national squad under Carlo Ancelotti, which offers some encouragement. Pape Sarr, who arrived carrying a knock from Tottenham, is pushing to be fit for Sunday, and his availability would give Spalletti a meaningful option in the middle.

Up front, the manager is considering pairing Nick Woltemade with Randal Kolo Muani from the start against Sassuolo, a tactical shift aimed at adding more presence in the opposition box. Woltemade, on loan from Newcastle, has already shown promise as a substitute and spoken openly about his ambitions in Turin.

Sitting seventh with seven points from three games, Juventus have started solidly but the injury toll means the real test of this squad is only just beginning.