Juventus is currently evaluating the future of Paul Pogba as the club considers terminating his contract, even after the Court of Arbitration for Sport reduced his doping ban. Meanwhile, with Gleison Bremer sidelined due to an ACL injury, manager Thiago Motta is exploring options to fill the center-back position, including the possibility of utilizing players like Nicolo Savona and Manuel Locatelli. As the Bianconeri prepare for a busy schedule ahead, they are looking to address these key challenges on their roster.
Juventus May End Pogba’s Contract Despite Reduced Ban
As reported by Fabrizio Romano, Juventus is considering the option of terminating Paul Pogba’s contract despite the recent decision allowing him to return to play. Originally handed a 4-year ban from football due to a doping violation, the 31-year-old French midfielder saw his suspension reduced to 18 months by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). This decision has technically paved the way for Pogba’s gradual reintegration into the sport, raising hopes for a return to Juventus training as early as January, with an eye on a possible comeback to competitive matches by March.
The doping issue traces back to an incident after Juventus’ match against Udinese, where Pogba, an unused substitute, tested positive for a banned substance. Although the reduction in his suspension allows for a quicker return to the field, Juventus appears to be reassessing Pogba’s long-term role with the club. The Serie A side may be inclined to part ways with the former Manchester United star rather than reintegrate him into the squad, suggesting that his future in Turin remains uncertain even with the shortened ban.
Bianconeri manager Thiago Motta showed little enthusiasm about Pogba’s potential return following the news of his reduced ban. In a press conference, Motta stated, “The club will evaluate the situation and will take a decision if necessary… As far as I’m concerned, Paul Pogba was a great player; he hasn’t played for a long time. I am focused on Sunday’s game; everything else does not matter much to me.”
Motta on Juventus’ Two Options to Replace Bremer
Thiago Motta expressed that he would be “the happiest coach in the world” if either Nicolo Savona or Manuel Locatelli could successfully step in for the injured Gleison Bremer at center-back for Juventus, as the Bianconeri prepare for a prolonged absence of the Brazilian.
Bremer sustained a cruciate ligament (ACL) injury during the first half of Wednesday’s intense 3-2 triumph in the Champions League over RB Leipzig and is anticipated to be out for at least six months, potentially longer.
Juventus is somewhat short in central defense, with Pierre Kalulu and Federico Gatti being the only ‘natural’ senior center-backs in the first-team squad. There are already indications that the club might explore the transfer market in January, with Arsenal’s Jakub Kiwior potentially being a target.
However, there are many matches to play before January, and Juventus may need to experiment with some new players in the center-back position, given their busy schedule ahead.
Motta on Locatelli and Savona as Juventus CB Options
During his pre-match press conference on Saturday, Thiago Motta was asked about the possibility of utilizing either Nicolo Savona or holding midfielder Manuel Locatelli in the center-back position.
“Why not? I would be the happiest coach in the world,” Thiago Motta said when asked about the possibility of playing Locatelli as center-back.
“Savona, too, but these are things I need to see in training. I hope so.”
Savona is naturally a right-back but has height on his side, while Locatelli, who plays as a midfielder, could be tested in a center-back role like Manchester City’s Rodri has been for Spain.
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