Dusan Vlahovic is available for Juventus' first Champions League first phase match at home at Benfica, but head coach Thiago Motta still has to decide if he will start.
Vlahovic, who was gave birth to two straight matches due to fitness issues, occurred as a late replacement in Juve's 2-1 loss in Napoli on Saturday, but is ready to start on Wednesday if necessary.
“Dusan is fine and tomorrow he will be part of the group. We will see if he will play from the start or during the game. As a team we have our way of playing; we want to cause problems for the opponent with quality, “Motta said on Tuesday at his press conference before the game.
“Dusan has played a lot so far, even if he was not at his best. He did it and will continue to do so. He has already scored four goals in the Champions League. He is part of the group and is fine.
The Serbia International is linked to a move to Chelsea or Arsenal in Italian Media reports in January.
In the meantime, defender Andrea Cambiasso played against Napoli, but his ankle problem has surfaced again and the 24-year-old will be put aside.
“He will not be available. He still has some problems with his ankle and at the moment he does not feel 100%. He preferred to heal everything,” Motta said.
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Motta added that there were no other worries during training and midfielder Douglas Luiz, who has tackled several injuries since October, will also be available to start on Wednesday as “he deserves it”.
Juve, who has won only once in their last five games in the Champions League, is 17th in the rankings and is assured of at least a play-off place.
“Our need is to always win. To achieve during victories, you need a lot of daily work. Tomorrow we play in the Champions League, but all matches are important for us,” Motta said.
Juventus has lost six of their eight previous meetings with Benfica in European competition and only loses more times in such competitions to Real Madrid (10).
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