Juventus striker Dušan Vlahović has fully recovered and is ready to feature in the starting lineup against Benfica in their crucial Champions League group-stage finale. However, the Italian club will be without defender Andrea Cambiaso for the match.
Juventus will face Portuguese club Benfica on Wednesday in what could be a pivotal game for their European campaign. During the pre-match press conference, coach Thiago Motta shared both positive and negative updates regarding the squad.
Vlahović, 25, had been sidelined with fitness issues for two consecutive games but made a brief substitute appearance in Juventus’ 2-1 loss to Napoli last Saturday. Motta confirmed that the Serbian striker, who has made 26 appearances across all competitions this season, is set to start against Benfica.
Amid his return, transfer rumors surrounding Vlahović have also intensified. Reports in the Italian media suggest that English clubs Chelsea and Arsenal are potential destinations for him during the current transfer window.
Meanwhile, Andrea Cambiaso, who played in Juventus’ last match against Napoli, won’t feature against Benfica due to an ankle problem that flared up during the game. The 24-year-old Italian defender was unable to complete the match, further depleting Juventus’ defensive options.
Juventus currently sits 17th in the new Champions League format, with 12 points from seven matches. Their chances of securing a direct spot in the Round of 16 are slim, but the team will be looking to end the group stage on a positive note.