Francisco Conceição suffers a new injury setback and will miss Juventus' next match against Verona. The Portuguese winger joins the club’s growing list of absentees, adding to Allegri’s selection headaches in a crucial phase of the season.
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Francisco Conceição has suffered yet another injury setback, adding to Juventus’ increasingly concerning list of absentees.
The Portuguese winger, who has struggled with fitness issues since his arrival in Turin, now finds himself sidelined once again at a crucial stage of the season. Conceição’s injury comes at a particularly difficult moment for Juventus, who are already dealing with a growing injury crisis that is severely limiting the options available to manager Massimiliano Allegri.
With Conceição now ruled out, Juventus’ injury list has grown to include Renato Veiga, Douglas Luiz, and Savona all of whom are currently unavailable along with two key figures, Cabel Milik and Bremer, who have both already been ruled out for the remainder of the season. This lengthy list of absentees highlights the physical toll Juventus’ demanding campaign has taken on the squad, as Allegri attempts to guide the Bianconeri through a challenging run of fixtures in both Serie A and the Coppa Italia.
Conceição’s latest injury occurred during this morning’s training session, where the young winger reportedly complained of discomfort in his right thigh after a sharp movement during a tactical drill. Out of caution, Juventus’ medical staff immediately removed him from the session and began initial assessments. Throughout the day, further tests will be conducted to determine the exact extent of the injury, but it has already been confirmed that he will play no part in Monday night’s clash with Hellas Verona.
This new setback adds to a frustrating debut season for the former Porto talent. Conceição arrived at Juventus with considerable expectations, seen as a player who could add flair, creativity, and directness to Juventus’ attack. However, a series of injuries have prevented him from establishing himself as a regular starter, and each time he appears ready to build momentum, another physical issue halts his progress. His recurring fitness problems have led to inevitable questions about his physical conditioning and whether Juventus’ medical and fitness teams are fully equipped to manage his development.
While the absence of Conceição is a blow, there is at least some positive news for Allegri. Pierre Kalulu, the versatile defender on loan from AC Milan, has recovered from his own injury problems and has been included in the squad for the Verona match. Kalulu’s return provides Juventus with much-needed defensive cover at a time when options at the back are becoming increasingly limited due to Bremer’s long-term absence.
Monday’s match against Verona is of significant importance for Juventus, who currently sit 4th in the Serie A table with 49 points. After a turbulent few weeks filled with inconsistent performances and a growing injury crisis, Allegri knows that securing a victory is essential to keep their Champions League qualification hopes on track. However, Juventus’ task will not be straightforward, as Verona, who sit 14th with 26 points, are fighting to ensure they remain clear of the relegation battle.
Despite their modest league position, Verona have shown resilience this season and have caused problems for several higher-ranked sides. Juventus, weakened by injuries and struggling to find fluency in their performances, will need to be fully focused to avoid another disappointing result.
Conceição’s absence also places additional pressure on Juventus’ remaining attacking players, especially Federico Chiesa and Dusan Vlahovic, who will need to shoulder even more creative responsibility in his absence. The hope within the club is that Conceição’s injury is minor and that he can return quickly, but given his injury record so far, there is understandable concern about the potential for a longer layoff.
As Juventus continue their fight to secure a top-four finish, the growing injury list now including Conceição serves as both a warning and a challenge. Allegri’s ability to manage this increasingly thin squad, maintain tactical flexibility, and find solutions in the face of adversity will be critical in determining whether this season can still end on a positive note.
For Francisco Conceição, meanwhile, the immediate focus will be on recovery and rehabilitation. After a frustrating start to life in Serie A, the Portuguese winger will be desperate to prove his worth once he returns to full fitness. For now, though, his absence leaves Juventus facing yet another headache in a season already full of them.
Updated: 03:43, 2 Mar 2025
