Vlahovic’s Injury Knocks the Wind Out of Juve as Yildiz Steals the Spotlight in a Comeback Win

Vlahovic sidelined by muscular strain as Juve edge Cagliari

Juventus head coach Luciano Spalletti confirmed that striker Dusan Vlahovic may be out for a spell after a muscular injury during the 2-1 victory over Cagliari on Saturday in round 13 of Serie A.

The Serbian forward had been rested for the Champions League clash with Bodø/Glimt before starting against Cagliari, only to have to leave the pitch after 30 minutes limping, clearly affected and signaling a potentially serious problem.

Spalletti, after the match via Futbol Italia, described it as a strain and said he would miss some time. The report suggests a groin muscle issue typically requiring about a month of recovery.

Vlahovic has tallied 6 goals and 2 assists in 17 appearances for Juventus this season.

The injury comes at a difficult moment for Juventus, who face six important matches in the coming month across Serie A, the Champions League, and the Coppa Italia. Juventus host Udinese in the Coppa Italia last-16 on December 2, then travel to Napoli in the league, followed by a pivotal Champions League date with Pafos on December 10. Domestic fixtures against Bologna and Roma are also on the schedule, before a year-end clash with Pisa on December 27.

Spalletti urged his players to show stronger character from the outset, praising the response after his side fought back to win. He noted that the team started timidly and did the basics well, adding that with the players and the coach, better is always expected. When opportunities arise, you should know you could have made smarter decisions.

He also praised Turkish youngster Kenan Yildiz, who scored Juve’s two goals in the match, saying he has the traits of a winner; he is a number 10 capable of creating victory from nothing. The tactical setup gives him freedom to move into space and shoot, without being tied to the wings.

Punchline 1: If injuries were a sport, Vlahovic would lead the league—on the injured list, but still stealing the headlines. Punchline 2: Yildiz’s brace was so precise that even the clock on the bench started keeping time with him.