The Polish striker suffers yet another injury, while Juventus rely on a striker relay system to break down Lecce, with Kenan Yildiz once again the creative centerpiece
Bad luck continues to haunt Juventus. Just when Arkadiusz Milik had finally returned to full training after a long rehabilitation, the Polish forward has suffered another setback. A calf issue will sideline him for at least two more weeks, extending a nightmare run that has already kept him out for over 500 days following knee surgery in June 2024.
For head coach Luciano Spalletti, the timing could hardly be worse. With Dušan Vlahović still unavailable, Juventus must continue to rely on a carefully managed attacking rotation as they prepare to face Lecce at the Allianz Stadium.
Openda–David: One Starts, One Finishes
Spalletti has made his plan clear: Loïs Openda and Jonathan David will both play — just not at the same time. The Belgian forward is slightly favored to start, tasked with pressing relentlessly and wearing down Lecce’s defensive block. David is expected to come on in the second half, hoping to rediscover his scoring touch in Serie A, which has been missing since his debut goal against Parma.
Openda’s recent breakthrough against Roma — his first Serie A goal — has boosted his confidence. While not a classic No. 9, his work rate and off-the-ball movement have become increasingly valuable to a Juventus side chasing a fifth consecutive win across league and Champions League play.
Yildiz the Untouchable
Behind the rotating strikers stands the one constant in Spalletti’s attack: Kenan Yıldız. The young Turkish star has flourished under Spalletti, becoming more consistent and decisive. His numbers speak volumes: seven goals and six assists across all competitions, making him Juventus’ creative heartbeat.
Wings and Dribbling Threats
Another key question revolves around Francisco Conceição, who is returning from a muscle issue and remains a doubt for the starting XI. His dribbling ability offers a different dimension, one also provided by Edon Zhegrova, whose cameo against Pisa changed the match. Spalletti’s long-term vision includes rotating both right-sided wingers to maintain unpredictability and attacking quality.
Milik’s Endless Ordeal
Meanwhile, Milik’s frustration grows. After appearing on the bench against Roma and Pisa, the former Napoli and Marseille striker felt discomfort in his calf during recent sessions. It’s another cruel blow in a career stalled by injuries — and a reminder that Juventus cannot count on his availability in the near future.
As Juventus push forward in both Serie A and Europe, Spalletti’s solutions must once again come from adaptability rather than stability. Against Lecce, the striker relay and Yildiz’s imagination will be asked to do the heavy lifting.
