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Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri says Dusan Vlahovic will start against Lazio in Coppa Italia on Thursday, but Paul Pogba has sustained a new minor injury.
The Bianconeri return to the pitch after Sunday’s 2-0 loss against Monza in Turin. They host Maurizio Sarri’s Lazio at the Allianz Stadium in the Coppa Italia quarter-finals tomorrow, Thursday, February 2.
Vlahovic will start his first game since October, but Pogba has again been forced to the sidelines due to a minor injury.
“I will decide the line-up on Thursday. Aside from Bonucci the only other player not available is Pogba who had a flexor problem,” Allegri said at a press conference as quoted by Ilbianconero.com.
“Vlahovic will surely start, I have to decide on the others. The game could last 120 minutes, so substitutions will be important. I will decide the line-up after tomorrow’s training.”
Pogba was called up for the first time this season against Monza this past weekend and hasn’t played a competitive game since April 2022. He returned to Juventus on a free transfer from Manchester United last summer, signing a four-year deal.
“Many players have been dealing with long-term injuries,” continued Allegri.
“Chiesa was out for 10 months, and Pogba hasn’t played since April. It takes a while to get back in shape. As happened with Chiesa who had to stop and start again.
“It takes time for Pogba, nobody can work miracles. His body must adapt. We must use him wisely and in the right moment when he will be fit.
“Juventus must have balance, which is something we lacked in the last few games.
“A new season has begun, we have another competition now and we’ll think about Serie A on Monday, on the eve of the game with Salernitana. The match with Lazio will be difficult against a team that is doing great things.
“The performance against Monza was bad but the second half was better and we finished with many shots on target,” added the coach.
“Points deduction should not be an excuse, we must go on the pitch and do what’s required. Perhaps, it’s the first time a team is docked 15 points, but we must handle this situation in the best way. We’ll do our best in Coppa Italia.”
Juventus reached the Coppa Italia Final eight times in the last 11 seasons, lifting the trophy five times, four of which under Allegri.
The Bianconeri currently sit 13th in the Serie A table after a 15-point deduction and are currently 15 points below a Champions League placement.