Juventus rocked by double blow ahead of Real Madrid | OneFootball

Juventus have been hit by fresh injury concerns as they prepare for a high-stakes showdown with Real Madrid, with key defensive setbacks threatening their plans. According to reports from Gazzetta dello Sport via Tutto Juve and Bianconera News, Riccardo Savona is set for a lengthy absence after sustaining a serious ankle injury—just as coach Igor Tudor faces fresh doubts over Francisco Conceição’s fitness.

Savona’s World Cup campaign ended abruptly following a collision with Erling Haaland. Medical examinations revealed a severe capsuloligamentous ankle sprain, projecting an absence of at least two months. Despite the gravity of his condition, Savona will remain with the squad for the remainder of their United States stay, but will not feature in further matches. Early hopes for a potential return for the Serie A opener have been dashed, with best-case scenarios now targeting a comeback well into the autumn.

Attention now turns to Francisco Conceição, who was forced out of the Manchester City fixture due to muscle fatigue. The winger, who has already established himself as a regular option under Tudor, is undergoing an accelerated recovery plan. “The hope is to recover Conceição for the match against Real Madrid,” reports Gazzetta, highlighting the urgency with which Juventus are working to restore attacking options ahead of Tuesday’s pivotal clash.

Federico Gatti, meanwhile, is set to be available from the first minute as Juventus reshape their back line. Gatti’s fitness offers a sliver of stability for a defensive unit already under heavy scrutiny after the collapse against City. With Savona missing and Conceição racing the clock, Tudor’s selection options are notably thin—placing pressure on the available core to step up on the big stage.

The injury news comes as Juventus already face wide-ranging criticism over their squad depth and readiness. The defeat against Manchester City not only exposed significant tactical and personnel gaps, but compounded the impact of player absences. Sources highlight that Juventus’ management are urgently exploring market solutions, seeking reinforcements to bolster both defense and attack for the demanding fixtures ahead.

As the Real Madrid match approaches, much hinges not just on medical updates for Conceição, but also on how Tudor manages a patched-together side in hostile territory. With Savona gone long-term and at least one key attacker in doubt, Juventus must rapidly adapt if they are to avoid further disappointment on the continental stage.

Sources: Tutto Juve, Bianconera News

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