Vlahovic Ready to Lead Juventus’ Attack Against Benfica
Juventus coach Thiago Motta said on Tuesday that striker Dusan Vlahovic will be available to play in the final match of the group stage, when Juventus hosts Benfica in the UEFA Champions League. However, Italian defender Andrea Cambiaso will miss the match.
Vlahovic, who had been on the bench for two consecutive matches due to fitness issues, came on as a substitute late in Juventus’ 2-1 loss to Napoli earlier in the week. He is now ready to start in Wednesday’s game against the Portuguese team.
Motta told reporters: “Dusan is fine, he will be part of the squad tomorrow. We will see if he plays from the start or during the match. As a team, we have our way of playing, and we want to create problems for our opponents with the efficiency we have. Dusan has played a lot already, even when he wasn’t at his best. He did it and will continue to do so. In the Champions League, he has already scored four goals. He is part of the group and is fine. We will see tomorrow if he plays.”
Italian media reported that the Serbian striker has been linked with moves to Chelsea and Arsenal in January.
Cambiaso, 24, played against Napoli, but an ankle issue resurfaced, sidelining him.
Motta added: “Cambiaso won’t be available, he is still struggling with ankle problems, and right now he doesn’t feel at his full fitness, so he prefers to take some time to recover.”
Motta, 42, also said there are no concerns about other injuries, and midfielder Douglas Luiz, who has dealt with several injuries since October, will also be available to start against Benfica because “he deserves it.”
Juventus, who have won just once in their last five Champions League matches, are currently in 17th place in the group standings. A win would guarantee them at least a spot in the playoffs for the Round of 16.
Motta said: “What we need is always to win, and to achieve victories, we need a lot of daily work. We will play Wednesday in the Champions League, but for us, all matches are important.”