Andrea Cambiaso returned to action for Juventus on Friday in a 1-0 friendly defeat to Serie B side Cremonese, but it was his position on the pitch rather than the scoreline that caught attention. Juventus coach Luciano Spalletti deployed the versatile defender in central midfield, a move driven by a growing injury crisis in the squad’s middle of the park.
Cambiaso had been sidelined since suffering an ankle injury on August 29 during Juventus’s 2-0 home win over Parma. After more than a month out, the Italy international was back on the field at Continassa but in an unfamiliar role. Spalletti’s decision to use Cambiaso in midfield came amid the absence of midfielders Khephren Thuram and Manuel Locatelli, both ruled out for extended periods. Locatelli is expected to be out for five to six months, while Thuram will remain sidelined until January.
The injury situation has forced Juventus to rethink their midfield options. Cambiaso’s deployment in central midfield during the friendly against Cremonese was an attempt to fill the gap left by the missing players. The 23-year-old, normally a left-back, was tested in a new role as Spalletti sought to evaluate his squad’s flexibility ahead of the Serie A campaign.
The match itself ended in a narrow defeat for Juventus, but the focus was on player fitness and tactical experimentation rather than the result. Spalletti’s squad remains hampered by injuries beyond the midfield. Attacking winger Jeff Ekhator, another player recovering from injury, was seen training on the pitch but did not feature in the game. Ekhator’s participation in on-field sessions suggests progress in his rehabilitation, though he is not yet ready for match action.
Following the friendly, Spalletti has given his players three days off before preparations begin for the next Serie A fixture against Cagliari. The team’s injury challenges will continue to influence squad selection and tactical decisions as Juventus navigate this period without key midfield personnel.
Cambiaso’s move into midfield is the latest sign of Spalletti’s willingness to adapt his lineup in response to injuries. How effective the 23-year-old can be in this position remains to be seen once competitive matches resume. For now, Juventus face the challenge of managing their squad depth while awaiting the return of crucial midfielders.
According to Yahoo Sports.
