Kenan Yildiz Set to Return for Juventus Ahead of Sporting CP Clash

Juventus forward Kenan Yildiz is expected to be fit for Tuesday’s Champions League match against Sporting CP after missing Luciano Spalletti’s debut due to patellar tendinopathy. Reports from La Gazzetta dello Sport suggest Yildiz could start alongside Dusan Vlahovic, while Spalletti’s only selection doubt remains between Federico Gatti and Daniele Rugani in defense.

For the upcoming Champions League clash against Sporting CP, Juventus have received a major boost as Kenan Yildiz is expected to return to action. The 19-year-old forward had missed Luciano Spalletti’s debut match in charge, a 2-1 Serie A victory over Cremonese, due to patellar tendinopathy in his left knee, an issue he has managed throughout the 2025-26 season.

Reports from La Gazzetta dello Sport indicate that Yildiz has recovered and could start alongside Dusan Vlahovic in attack, potentially replacing summer signing Lois Openda. Spalletti, who began his Juventus tenure with a win, faces only one selection concern ahead of Tuesday night’s European fixture. The uncertainty lies in defense, where Federico Gatti and Daniele Rugani are competing for a starting spot in the back three.

Teun Koopmeiners is expected to retain his position after featuring there in the weekend match, alongside Pierre Kalulu. Juventus, who are looking to strengthen their position in the Champions League group stage, will be eager to see Yildiz’s creativity return to the front line. His comeback could provide the spark needed as the Bianconeri aim for a strong performance against Sporting in Turin.