The Brazil international is due to have surgery on a long-standing issue last December, keeping him on the sidelines for at least eight weeks
Juventus midfielder Arthur will miss the start of the new Serie A season after being operated on for a long-term knee injury, But can confirm.
The Brazil international will be forced to sit on the sidelines for the next two months, excluding him from the Bianconeri’s first domestic games – but could return in time for his Champions League commitments.
The news will be a blow to Massimiliano Allegri’s side, as the coach returns to Turin after a three-year absence to try to restore declining fortunes at the Allianz Stadium.
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Why does Arthur need to have an operation?
The 24-year-old suffered a knee injury at the end of 2020, sustaining the blow during a clash with Atalanta on December 16.
Under the watchful eye of Andrea Pirlo and as Juve struggled to keep pace near the Serie A top, Arthur opted to postpone any potential operation in order to both bolster the club’s pursuit of the top four and to remain in contention for this year’s Copa America.
The midfielder’s decision ultimately yielded mixed results; the Bianconeri managed to clinch a fourth place finish on the final day of the season, but Arthur was overlooked for selection by the Seleçao, who went on to finish second against Argentina in the revamped tournament.
When will Arthur be back?
With the player about to undergo the operation imminently, there are high hopes that he will only face a two-month layoff for Juventus.
That would see him return to contention around mid-September, with the new Serie A campaign around three or four weeks underway by then.
Although a blow to Allegri’s first domestic commitments, Arthur could return just in time for the Champions League first round, which is due to take place on September 14-15.
The bigger picture
Arthur’s absence will leave a hole to be filled in the midfield in those first weeks, as Juventus prepare to kick off their Serie A campaign against Udinese.
The Bianconeri are yet to make a major move regarding incoming faces at Allianz Stadium during the transfer window, while goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has joined Parma, bringing the final chapter of his long association with the club to an end. .
Captain Giorgio Chiellini has yet to agree to new terms after his triumph with Italy at Euro 2020, although it is seen as just a formality for the club and the 36-year-old.
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