Juventus, after the splendid victory in the Champions League against Leipzig, now have to prepare for the match, on Sunday at 12.30pm, against Cagliari at the Allianz Stadium. It is reasonable to expect some changes in the lineup from coach Thiago Motta, especially after the efforts of the Cup. The Juventus coach will meet journalists at a press conference today at 1pm to present the challenge to the Sardinians.
Motta will have to give up Bremer, Nico and Milik, but gets Weah back.
After two difficult days in terms of injuries, Thiago Motta can smile at Timothy Weah’s return to the group. The American winger has overcome last week’s ankle sprain and is a candidate to be among the squad for the match against Cagliari. Thiago Motta could use the Juventus number 22 in the current match to also make up for the absence of Nico Gonzalez who suffered a low-grade injury to the hamstring of his left leg in the Champions League match. While Kalulu and Gatti will most likely be the pair of starting central defenders especially after Bremer’s injury, which will keep him out for the entire season. It won’t be easy for both of them to replace the strong Brazilian defender who was having a top-level start to the season.
CAS reduces Pogba’s ban to 18 months.
Yesterday, the CAS of Lausanne reduced Pogba’s disqualification from 4 years to 18 months. The French midfielder will be able to start training with Juventus from January, and possibly return to play on March 11th. Pogba commented with joy on this news: “Finally the nightmare is over. After the Court of Arbitration for Sport’s decision, I can’t wait for the day when I can follow my dreams again. I have always maintained that I have never knowingly violated the rules of the World Anti-Doping Agency when I took a nutritional supplement prescribed by a doctor, which does not affect or improve the performance of male athletes. I play with integrity and, although I have to accept that this is a strict liability crime, I want to express my thanks to the judges of the Court of Arbitration for Sport who listened to my explanation. This was an extremely distressing time in my life because everything I worked so hard for was put on hold. Thanks again for all the love and support. I can’t wait to get back on the pitch.”