Juventus’ Kenan Yildiz Faces Three-Month Layoff With Foot Fracture
Juventus will have to navigate a demanding spell without Kenan Yildiz after the Turkish forward suffered a fractured fifth metatarsal in his left foot during the Serie A opening-weekend meeting with Frosinone. The 19-year-old, who wears the Bianconeri’s No. 10 shirt, could be unavailable for up to three months, with December identified as the intended point for his return.
Yildiz injury and Juventus position
| Item | Figure or date | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Injury | Fifth metatarsal fracture | Left foot, sustained against Frosinone |
| Expected absence | Up to three months | December return is being targeted |
| Serie A standing | Seventh | Juventus are seeking to recover ground domestically |
| Europa League | 5-0 v NEC Nijmegen | Juventus lead the league phase after matchday one |
Carnevali has placed Yildiz among the club’s most gifted young players but said comparisons with Alessandro Del Piero must be matched by further development. Speaking at the Trento Sports Festival, he described the teenager as a champion with the ability to reach that level, while stressing that greater end product will be required.
“He has to grow before he can be considered at Del Piero’s level, but he has every possibility,” Carnevali said. “He works for the side and understands that attackers must now contribute defensively. To become decisive, though, he also needs goals and assists.”
The Del Piero comparison has followed Yildiz since September 2024. His striking early goal against PSV Eindhoven made him Juventus’ youngest scorer in the Champions League, surpassing Del Piero’s club record. Yildiz then marked the moment by recreating the former Italy international’s well-known tongue-out celebration.
His absence has removed a key source of creativity from Luciano Spalletti’s attack at a time when Juventus are trying to build an early title challenge. Carnevali acknowledged that the team are feeling the loss, saying Yildiz is badly missed and can make a major contribution once he is fit again.
Juventus’ league form has left them seventh, creating a need for other forwards and midfielders to provide invention and decisive moments while Yildiz recovers. Their European start has been far more convincing: the 5-0 victory over NEC Nijmegen put Spalletti’s side at the top of the Europa League phase after the first round.
Maintaining that attacking standard through the winter programme without Yildiz will be a significant test. The club hope that a December return can bring their No. 10 back into the side before the festive schedule intensifies.
