Juventus coach Igor Tudor has a decision to make in midfield, as Khephren Thuram is expected to be rested for the Champions League clash against Villarreal on Wednesday.
Thuram has quickly become one of the most important players in the team this season. Even club legend Alessandro Del Piero praised him, calling him along with Kenan Yildiz one of the key men in the squad.
The 24-year-old has started nearly every game so far, but his spot is now in doubt. He picked up a minor knock during the 1-1 draw with Atalanta on Saturday.
Although he tried to continue, he struggled and was replaced by Weston McKennie early in the second half.
Reports suggest the injury is not serious, but Tudor is likely to rest him anyway. With a big Serie A match against AC Milan coming up this weekend, the coach doesn’t want to take risks.
That leaves Juventus with two main options: Teun Koopmeiners or Weston McKennie to partner captain Manuel Locatelli in midfield.
Koopmeiners has been used in different roles since Tudor arrived but has yet to fully settle. This could be a chance to see how he performs alongside Locatelli in a double-pivot system.
McKennie, on the other hand, offers more energy and is considered a closer match to Thuram’s style. Tudor will need to decide which option gives Juventus the best balance for the Villarreal game.
