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return

USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino eager for return to Premier League

by Soccer-News March 26, 2026

ATLANTA — Mauricio Pochettino could have two ft in america, however his eyes are on England.

As Pochettino to this summer time’s World Cup on dwelling soil, he admits he misses the Premier League amidst hyperlinks of a possible return to Tottenham, the place he managed from 2014-19.

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“I miss the soccer scene in England. I really like the nation, its tradition, the soccer tradition,” Pochettino instructed L’Equipe in his first interview in France since he left Paris Saint-Germain in 2022.

“For anybody with a aggressive spirit who needs to measure themselves towards others and take a look at their limits, it’s the best place. Right here, you need to give your finest always.”

Workforce USA will want the Argentine’s finest, at the least for so long as they’ve him.

Pochettino’s stateside keep was by no means anticipated to be long run, however extra a wedding of comfort to extract each ounce he can from the group this summer time.

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The 54-year-old took Tottenham to 4 straight Champions League finishes — together with one Remaining — earlier than getting fired in 2019. He went on to handle PSG earlier than a Premier League return with Chelsea within the 2023-24 season.

United States head coach Mauricio Pochettino watches the primary half of a CONCACAF Gold Cup soccer match towards Trinidad and Tobago from the sidelines in San Jose, Calif., June 15, 2025. AP

That form of résumé made him a no brainer rent for the U.S., who will co-host this summer time’s World Cup. They’re at present holding a camp in Atlanta forward of tuneups towards Belgium on Saturday and Portugal on March 31.

The World Cup is in June, with the Remaining on July 19 at MetLife Stadium.

By the sound of it, Pochettino might be headed to London by August.

U.S. men’s national team coach Mauricio Pochettino Reuters

U.S. males’s nationwide group coach Mauricio Pochettino Reuters

Tyler Adams, the stalwart engine of the midfield, is out this camp with a quad damage that can price him two-to-three weeks for Bournemouth.

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However from Cristian Roldan’s perspective, it simply means he and the remainder of the midfielders must step up within the all-energy Adams’ absence.

“It’s an enormous hole. Tyler brings up quite a bit to our group: his vitality, his means to deal with and canopy floor, his management. Now it’s time for the remainder of the midfielders to fill that void,” mentioned Roldan. “The midfield place is kind of aggressive, once you speak about guys like Weston (McKennie) and Tanner (Tessmann) taking part in so properly, guys like Seba (Berhalter) and Aiden (Morris) taking part in so properly, after which you could have Johnny (Cardoso) taking part in for Atletico.

“And for me, it’s how can I compete? How can I put myself in a great place earlier than the World Cup, put myself in the most effective spot potential to make that squad? But when my identify isn’t known as, I’m going to be the most effective teammate I could be. And I absolutely anticipate the remainder of the midfielders to take action … It is a nice alternative for all of us to check ourselves towards some actually good competitors.”

The competitors the U.S. will face simply acquired a bit of simpler with Belgium striker Romelu Lukaku being dominated out Saturday as he works again from hamstring woes.

March 26, 2026 0 comments

Champions League

Is three wins from seven sufficient to seal Champions League return?

by Soccer-News March 25, 2026

written by Soccer-News

[Getty Images]

You would possibly need to sit down for this, as I’m about to place one thing on the market that had not even entered any Manchester United followers’ heads as not too long ago as December.

Are you prepared? Good. Right here it goes. I actually imagine we’re there. I actually imagine United shall be a Champions League membership once more subsequent season.

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It was as if a swap had been flicked on – or off – inside me as my Premier League viewing concluded on Saturday.

For months, I’ve praised Michael Carrick’s phenomenal begin at Previous Trafford, whereas refusing to indicate any signal of confidence in an unlikely top-five end.

Not anymore.

Seven wins out of 10, with only one late defeat, is not a honeymoon interval. It is a sustained normal that ought to proceed till the season’s finish.

In the meantime, had been woeful once more as they slumped to a 2-1 defeat at Hours later, appeared much more uninspiring, to place it kindly, of their 3-0 trouncing at

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Carrick has collected 23 factors out of a potential 30. In the identical interval, Liverpool have received 14 factors (seven from the previous 15), Chelsea 17 (4 from the previous 15), and 11 (additionally simply 4 from the previous 15).

United not solely have a seven-point cushion on sixth-placed Chelsea, however they’re additionally the one workforce of the 4 exhibiting any sort of consistency.

Even when the Pink Devils had been to win simply three of their remaining seven matches, they might end on a tally of 64 factors. For Chelsea to match that from this level, Liam Rosenior’s aspect would require 16 factors out of a potential 21.

Given the Blues’ run-in options tough journeys to Brighton, Liverpool and in addition to blockbuster visits of United and it appears like that may take a miracle.

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In fact, United ought to be aiming for a top-three end at this stage. However with Champions League soccer in thoughts, wherever above sixth will do and I’m assured in stating that three wins through the run-in would safe it.

Discover extra from Alex Turk at

March 25, 2026 0 comments

LALIGA

Ought to João Cancelo maintain his beginning spot when Jules Kounde and Alejandro Balde return?

by Soccer-News March 24, 2026

written by Soccer-News

You are taking the great with the unhealthy in the case of .

At Barcelona, in each his first and second spell, he actually does appear to really feel at dwelling. Largely, that’s as a result of he’s an attack-minded defender, enjoying at an attack-minded membership, for a really attack-minded supervisor.

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You’ll be able to pretty criticize the weaknesses in his defensive sport, however in the event you focus an excessive amount of on it, you’re lacking the purpose.

Barcelona, in latest historical past particularly, is a membership the place the full-backs are instantly concerned in aim creation.

That’s why Dani Alves and Jordi Alba are membership legends, and a barometer by which we decide others on the place, whereas others like Nelson Semedo and Junior Firpo had brief tenures that few bear in mind.

When Cancelo was signed in January, it made sense to be skeptical. Barcelona wanted a center-back at first, and to the extent {that a} full-back can be useful, maybe it was one who may shore up a weak backline that was being run previous with ease.

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Hansi Flick, nonetheless, a damaged document to his credit score, has insisted that the very best protection, in his system not less than, is an unstoppable offense.

João Cancelo, in that regard, has been the proper match for Flick at simply the precise time.

With Alejandro Balde and Jules Kounde happening with short-term accidents, Cancelo has turn into indispensable. With the chance given to him, he has been one of many fundamental inventive engines for Barcelona, and he has additionally completed little or no unsuitable defensively.

The sport towards Sevilla was his masterclass. He drew two penalties by operating at defenders within the field, and scored a wondergoal off the dribble with an audacious run that few full-backs world wide are able to.

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He doesn’t do it with physicality, that’s extra of Balde’s sport, however moderately with pure talent, confidence, and intuition.

As a contemporary full-back, it actually does assist to be two footed. Once more, the truth that Balde is so depending on his left foot makes him predictable and considerably straightforward to close down.

So what’s going to Flick do when Balde and Jules Kounde return?

Will probably be arduous to not select Kounde within the greatest video games, however maybe out of warning, Flick will need to rotate him towards smaller opponents in La Liga.

The most important debate will occur across the left full-back place.

My guess is that Cancelo and Balde will alternate. Flick could also be cautious with the return of Balde as properly, and proceed to experience Cancelo as long as he continues to carry out.

The wildcard is that if we see Gerard Martín or Xavi Espart characteristic within the place.

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Flick can be conserving his fingers crossed in the course of the worldwide break that his crew returns unscathed.

In the event that they do, he could have vital gamers returning to the lineup quickly to offer some aid to the drained legs who’ve completed a lot good over the previous few weeks.

In some ways, success for Barcelona can be an inner battle of attrition. Flick could have an vital job to do to make sure his gamers keep as contemporary as they will probably be.

March 24, 2026 0 comments

Premier League

USMNT boss Mauricio Pochettino hints at Premier League return

by Soccer-News March 24, 2026

written by Soccer-News

With sitting seventeenth and enduring a 13-game winless run within the Premier League, Mauricio Pochettino has dropped his clearest trace but {that a} return to North London might be on the horizon.

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At the moment main the US Males’s Nationwide Workforce to the 2026 World Cup, the previous Spurs boss informed that his connection to English soccer stays unbroken.

“I miss the soccer scene in England,” Pochettino stated.

“I really like the nation, its tradition, and the soccer tradition.

“For anybody with a aggressive spirit who desires to measure themselves towards others and take a look at their limits, it’s the best place.”

In contrast to Roberto De Zerbi, who reportedly requires Premier League security as a situation for any transfer to N17, Pochettino’s obvious want to take the reins is rooted in emotional loyalty to a membership the place he established himself as a high supervisor.

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Together with his USMNT contract set to run out after this summer season’s match, the Argentine’s feedback spotlight a willingness to supervise a Spurs rebuild, no matter which division the North Londoners discover themselves in come August.

As interim boss Igor Tudor struggles to discover a blueprint to steer his aspect to security, the prospect of a Pochettino reunion affords Spurs followers a way of tactical id they haven’t had for a while.

Ought to Spurs fail to beat the drop, Pochettino would signify a powerful insurance coverage coverage.

Given his historical past with the Lilywhites, Pochettino’s appointment may function a reset button for a membership that has seemingly misplaced its approach.

March 24, 2026 0 comments

Champions League

Arne Slot confirms Alexander Isak return date in main Liverpool increase

by Soccer-News March 21, 2026

written by Soccer-News

Arne Slot Units Timeline for Alexander Isak’s Liverpool Return

Liverpool supervisor Arne Slot has provided readability on when Alexander Isak might return to motion, with the Champions League quarter ultimate in opposition to Paris Saint Germain pencilled in as a practical comeback level. The Swedish striker has been sidelined for 3 months after struggling a damaged leg within the 2-1 victory at Tottenham in December.

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Isak, signed for £125 million, has solely just lately resumed gentle coaching and stays within the ultimate phases of rehabilitation. Liverpool supporters desperate to see him again in crimson could have to mood expectations, as Slot made clear that match sharpness will take time.

Arne Slot urges endurance on full health

Slot was candid when discussing Isak’s readiness and what followers ought to anticipate within the brief time period.

“Alex will out there [for PSG], sure,” Slot confirmed. “The query is what you imply round ‘being prepared’.

“If you wish to have the participant who performed precisely a 12 months in the past in opposition to us within the Carabao Cup ultimate and was too good for us on that day then I might inform you I’ve my doubts about that after seven or eight months out.

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“However I anticipate that I can use him for minutes. Precisely what I get from that I can’t inform you as a result of he hasn’t skilled with the crew even as soon as.”

The Liverpool boss highlighted that Isak has not but rejoined full crew coaching on the AXA Coaching Centre, underlining the cautious method being taken.

Rehabilitation progress and cautious integration

Liverpool are contemplating varied choices to construct Isak’s health, together with potential behind closed doorways matches. Nonetheless, Slot confused {that a} gradual return stays important.

“He nonetheless will not be capable of practice with the crew and he hasn’t been capable of practice with the crew and traditional rehab is earlier than you begin to practice with the crew and you then play video games. You don’t, after one coaching session, play 45 minutes or 90 minutes.”

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The striker won’t function for Sweden throughout the worldwide break, a call that displays Liverpool’s precedence to handle his restoration internally.

Long run outlook for Liverpool striker

Whereas pleasure round Alexander Isak continues to develop, Slot pointed in the direction of subsequent season because the stage the place Liverpool will see him at his peak.

“It’s 100% positive followers will see the most effective of him subsequent season and we try to ensure that we’ll see near the most effective or the most effective of him this season.

“I’m simply as excited because the followers to have him again as a result of I believe it’s truthful to say that 90% of our video games, we’ve had extra probabilities than the opposite crew, so if we had probably the greatest strikers on the earth enjoying for you then that will have normally, normally, meant that you’d have had extra factors.”

Liverpool stay optimistic that even restricted minutes from Isak might show decisive within the closing months of the marketing campaign, significantly in Europe.

March 21, 2026 0 comments

Premier League

Arne Slot presents recent Alexander Isak return date after nightmare damage layoff

by Soccer-News March 21, 2026

written by Soccer-News

will probably be match for ’s quarter-final towards – however has warned he’s solely more likely to be a substitute.

Slot, although, believes Liverpool would possibly see Isak at near his finest by the tip of this season after the £125m man has had a negligible influence in his first season at Anfield.

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Isak has solely scored three objectives in 17 appearances since his transfer from Newcastle and has been sidelined since December with a damaged leg, necessitating surgical procedure on his decrease ankle.

He’ll sit out Sweden’s World Cup qualifiers within the worldwide break and Slot doesn’t imagine the striker will probably be again in competition for the FA Cup quarter-final at Manchester Metropolis on 3 April.

Slot feels he might make his comeback within the Parc des Princes 4 days later. “He’ll accessible [for PSG], sure,” he mentioned.

“The query is what you imply round ‘prepared’. If you wish to have the participant who performed precisely a 12 months in the past towards us within the Carabao Cup ultimate, and was too good for us on that day, then I’d let you know I’ve my doubts about that after seven or eight months out.

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“However I count on that I can use him for minutes. Precisely what I get from that I can not let you know as a result of he hasn’t educated with the group even as soon as.

“He nonetheless will not be in a position to prepare with the group and he hasn’t been in a position to prepare with the group and typical rehab is earlier than you begin to prepare with the group and you then play video games. You do not, after one coaching session, play 45 minutes or 90 minutes.”

Alexander Isak has returned to coaching and could possibly be again after the worldwide break (Peter Byrne/PA Wire)

Slot is satisfied Liverpool needn’t fear that Isak will return to his peak at Anfield and, after typically lamenting missed possibilities this season, feels their outcomes would have been higher had Isak been match.

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“It’s 100 per cent positive followers will see one of the best of him subsequent season and we are attempting to guarantee that we’ll see near one of the best or one of the best of him this season. I’m simply as excited because the followers to have him again as a result of I believe it’s truthful to say that 90 per cent of our video games, we have had extra possibilities than the opposite group, so if we had the most effective strikers on this planet taking part in for you then that will have normally, normally, meant that you’d have had extra factors.”

March 21, 2026 0 comments

Premier League

Match Preview: Liverpool return to Premier League motion to face Brighton

by Soccer-News March 20, 2026

written by Soccer-News

Brighton vs Liverpool – Premier League Preview

Date: Saturday, 21 March 2026

Venue: Amex Stadium

Kick-off: 12:30 GMT

After maybe probably the most full and electrifying efficiency of the season — a 4–0 dismantling of Galatasaray beneath the Anfield lights — Liverpool are instantly dragged again into the tough actuality of their Premier League marketing campaign.

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And that, greater than something, has been the issue.

European nights have provided moments of readability, even brilliance. The home stage has delivered inconsistency, frustration, and an incapability to match the depth of opponents who need it extra. Now, with a lunchtime journey to Brighton earlier than the worldwide break, the urgency is obvious: three factors will not be non-obligatory — they’re important.

But confidence stays fragile.

Liverpool: From Peak to Proof

The victory over Galatasaray was every little thing this Liverpool facet has threatened to be. Aggressive, fluid, decisive. Dominik Szoboszlai drove the tempo, Mohamed Salah delivered world-class high quality, and the collective construction lastly seemed coherent.

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However the query that has adopted this staff all season stays unchanged — can they do it once more?

Domestically, Liverpool have repeatedly failed to copy their European depth. The tempo slows, the urgent softens, and management turns into passive relatively than purposeful. It’s not about high quality; it’s about software.

In opposition to Brighton, that can’t occur once more.

Alexis Mac Allister should take management early, dictating rhythm and guaranteeing the sport doesn’t drift into the gradual, predictable patterns which have value Liverpool repeatedly. Szoboszlai’s vertical operating will once more be essential, notably towards a facet that’s snug in possession however susceptible when compelled backward rapidly.

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Mohamed Salah, contemporary from a defining midweek efficiency, stays the decisive determine. His capacity to show moments into outcomes is unmatched on this squad, and Liverpool will want that ruthlessness as soon as extra. He got here off in midweek. Nevertheless, I anticipate hik to be prepared to remain once more right here.

Up entrance, Hugo Ekitike should construct on his rising affect. His motion is clever, however the service should arrive faster if Liverpool are to interrupt down a well-organised Brighton facet.

Defensively, focus is non-negotiable. The again line, led by Virgil van Dijk, can’t afford the lapses which have too typically undone good work elsewhere.

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This isn’t about reaching the identical heights as Wednesday evening.

It’s about proving that efficiency was not an exception.

Brighton: Technical, Courageous, Relentless

Brighton at house is rarely snug, notably on this early kick-off slot the place rhythm might be tough to ascertain. They’re a facet constructed on confidence in possession, able to controlling phases of the sport and drawing opponents into uncomfortable areas.

They won’t sit deep and wait. They’ll interact, rotate, and take a look at Liverpool’s self-discipline each with and with out the ball.

That presents a special sort of problem. The place Galatasaray introduced chaos and emotion, Brighton carry construction and management. Liverpool should be ready to work with out the ball, stay compact, and select their moments to press.

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If the sport turns into stretched, it might favour the guests. If it turns into a gradual, technical battle, Brighton will really feel at house.

The opening twenty minutes will likely be essential.

Predicted Liverpool XI (4-2-3-1)

GK – Alisson Becker

RB – Jeremie Frimpong

CB – Ibrahima Konaté

CB – Virgil van Dijk (c)

LB – Milos Kerkez

CM – Alexis Mac Allister

CM – Ryan Gravenberch

AM – Dominik Szoboszlai

RW – Mohamed Salah

LW – Florian Wirtz

CF – Hugo Ekitike

Closing Phrase

That is the place Liverpool’s season will in the end be judged.

Not on the brilliance of European nights, however on the consistency of home outcomes. The win over Galatasaray modifications nothing until it’s backed up right here.

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Brighton away, early kick-off, earlier than a global break — it has all of the elements of one other irritating afternoon if Liverpool don’t match the required depth.

The expertise is there. The proof was delivered midweek.

Now comes the more durable job: repeating it.

Steven Smith’s Rating Prediction:

Brighton 2 – 2 Liverpool

March 20, 2026 0 comments

Serie A

Inter damage updates as Italy watch for Bastoni’s return

by Soccer-News March 19, 2026

written by Soccer-News

Sky Sport Italia studies that Hakan Calhanoglu shall be accessible for Inter’s away recreation at Fiorentina on Sunday, whereas Italy worldwide Alessandro Bastoni might return to group coaching tomorrow.

Inter are getting ready for Sunday’s away recreation at Fiorentina, and supplies the most recent damage updates for the Nerazzurri.

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Newest Inter damage updates

Calhanoglu has recovered from a calf damage and shall be accessible for choice in opposition to Fiorentina.

Serie A’s prime goalscorer, Lautaro Martinez, then again, has intensified the workload however has continued to work individually.

If the Argentina worldwide doesn’t return to group coaching within the subsequent two days, he’ll be dominated out of the following league match.

Italy worldwide Bastoni suffered an and missed the latest match in opposition to Atalanta.

Sky Sport studies that the Italian has partially labored with the staff over the previous few days, and that he might be part of his teammates for a full coaching session tomorrow.

BARI, ITALY – AUGUST 16: Alessandro Bastoni of Inter throughout Pre-Season Pleasant match between FC Internazionale and Olympiacos FC at Stadio San Nicola on August 16, 2025 in Bari, Italy. (Photograph by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Pictures)

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If that’s the case, Bastoni shall be given the inexperienced gentle for the Fiorentina recreation in addition to Italy’s World Cup play-off semifinal in opposition to Northern Eire on March 26.

MILAN, ITALY – MARCH 08: Henrikh Mkhitaryan of Inter competes for the ball with Fikayo Tomori of AC Milan through the Serie A match between AC Milan and FC Internazionale at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on March 08, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photograph by Marco Luzzani/Getty Pictures)

Final however not least, Mkhitaryan as he goals to return to motion after the break, in all probability in a house match in opposition to his former membership, Roma, on Easter.

March 19, 2026 0 comments

Premier League

Arne Slot affords triple Liverpool harm replace as Alexander Isak nears return

by Soccer-News March 17, 2026

written by Soccer-News

will welcome again for the second leg of their last-16 tie with Galatasaray, although Joe Gomez stays a doubt for the match at Anfield, says .

Konate on the weekend after a hamstring concern, and whereas he was changed by Joe Gomez, the England defender is now a doubt for the go to of Galatasaray after lacking coaching this week.

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“Joe [Gomez] we’ll resolve tomorrow. He wasn’t prepared to coach right now. He had too many points after the final recreation, though he had the problems after Galatasaray,” defined Slot.

“[It] wasn’t the plan to play towards Tottenham however Ibou [Konate] felt his hamstring and [we] did not need to threat him. He’s going to strive tomorrow, Joe,” added the Dutchman.

Konate featured within the first leg however sat out the weekend’s recreation with Spurs with a hamstring concern (Liverpool FC by way of Getty Photos)

Slot clarified that Konate is “okay now and again to 100 per cent”, including: “He’s declared utterly match and does not really feel any discomfort. He is able to begin and hopefully he can play 90 minutes and even longer.”

And whereas the return of Konate is a fine addition for the membership, Slot should wait longer earlier than he is ready to decide , although the striker has made a return to coaching.

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“The actual fact you see Alex on the pitch exhibits he’s getting nearer,” defined Slot. “He will not be obtainable Saturday both.”

Isak has made a return to training as he ramps up his recovery from ankle surgery (Peter Byrne/PA Wire)

Isak has made a return to coaching as he ramps up his restoration from ankle surgical procedure (Peter Byrne/PA Wire)

When probed as as to whether he had an thought of a date for Isak’s return, Slot stated: “No timescale. In case you have finished months on the person session it is fairly a step as much as practice with the group after which it is a step as much as play in Premier League and .”

earlier than Christmas, however the 26-year-old has now made a return to coaching and was noticed coaching alone forward of the go to of Galatasaray.

Nevertheless, Slot just lately declared that this month, although he’s reportedly on observe to make a return to first-team motion after the worldwide break, with an preliminary goal being the FA Cup match towards Manchester Metropolis on 4 April.

March 17, 2026 0 comments

Serie A

One in a single out for Juventus: Vlahovic nears return however new midfield doubt emerges

by Soccer-News March 16, 2026

written by Soccer-News

Dusan Vlahovic is concentrating on a spot in Juventus’s squad to face Sassuolo in Serie A this coming weekend, however there at the moment are doubts over the supply of Khephren Thuram in a case of 1 in, one out for Luciano Spalletti’s facet.

Vlahovic and Thuram updates for Juventus

Juventus picked up on Saturday night, which implies that they’re now in fifth place and one level behind Como within the Champions League positions. , who’ve now slipped to sixth, two factors behind the Previous Girl.

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Juventus went with a ‘fluid’ attacking unit of their sport in opposition to Udinese, that includes Kenan Yildiz at centre-forward with a supporting solid of Francisco Conceicao, Weston McKennie and Jeremie Boga.

VILLARREAL, SPAIN – OCTOBER 01: Dusan Vlahovic of Juventus appears to be like on previous to the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Part MD2 match between Villarreal CF and Juventus at Estadio de la Ceramica on October 01, 2025 in Villarreal, Spain. (Photograph by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Photographs)

Vlahovic had been tipped to return to the squad after greater than three months out injured after surgical procedure on his adductor, however was not deemed match sufficient ultimately.

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In response to reviews from , Vlahovic is now concentrating on a return to the matchday squad for this Saturday’s match in opposition to Sassuolo as an alternative.

GENOA, ITALY – AUGUST 31: Khéphren Thuram of Juventus greets the group throughout a warm-up session previous to kick-off within the Serie A match between Genoa CFC and Juventus FC at Luigi Ferraris Stadium on August 31, 2025 in Genoa, Italy. (Photograph by Simone Arveda/Getty Photographs)

There are, nonetheless, doubts relating to the situation of midfielder Thuram, who was compelled off throughout Juve’s win away in opposition to Udinese with a blow to his left ankle.

Thuram’s situation is about to be monitored day-by-day, however as issues stand, his inclusion within the squad to face Sassuolo just isn’t assured both approach at this stage.

March 16, 2026 0 comments

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