Paul Pogba and Federico Chiesa won’t be available for selection for Thursday’s Europa League clash against Nantes.
Juventus will be going into the return leg on the back of a 1-1 draw in Italy, hoping to defeat their hosts and progress to the next round.
Although the France international trained with the team at Continassa on Wednesday morning while Chiesa worked in the gym, both seem to need more time to return to the pitch. They are, therefore, not included in Massimiliano Allegri’s squad list for Thursday’s Europa League meeting.
Pogba is yet to play football this year after suffering meniscus surgery during the pre-season, while Chiesa will miss the second game in a row.
According to the team news, Chiesa was unavailable for last week’s Serie A match with Spezia due to muscle fatigue.
Not available for the trip to France include Arek Milik and Fabio Miretti.
Meanwhile, NextGen midfielder Enzo Barrenechea has joined the team in France.
It’s a must-win game for Juventus in France to qualify for the Europa League round of 16 after last week’s 1-1 draw in Turin.
This was almost corroborated by FC Nantes coach Antoine Kombouaré who said his lads have nothing to lose, but Juventus will be humiliated if they lose in France.
The manager noted that he has no problem piling all the pressure on Juventus for the Europa League play-off and will be glad to take the win.
Juve are already experiencing a disastrous European campaign, losing five of their six Champions League group games and dropping into the Europa League.
They are now on the brink of being knocked out of that too.
It is, therefore, a must for Allegri’s men to do all necessary to secure a win in France and give them the needed boost in the competition and the domestic games.
Written by Oladipupo Mojeed
