Juventus have been without Kenan Yildiz since the early stages of the 2026-27 season after the Turkey international fractured a metatarsal in the opening Serie A weekend, during the 1-0 win away at Frosinone. Surgery followed, but the recovery has taken longer than the initial expectation of around two to three months.
Now, Italian reporting from Turin-based newspaper La Stampa claims Yildiz is slightly behind schedule. That raises the possibility that his return may need to be pushed back from a December comeback to early 2027, rather than arriving in time for Juventus’ key fixtures before the winter break.
December targets in focus
Yildiz himself has previously suggested he expects to be back in December. Other coverage had pointed to a potential league return at home against Monza on December 14. However, La Stampa frames that as an optimistic scenario, with an away trip to Roma on December 19 described as the more realistic target if his recovery progresses as planned.
If he is not ready for the Roma match, Juventus’ next opportunity after the winter pause would likely come on January 3, 2027, with a fixture against Bologna.
Impact on squad planning
The delay is significant because Yildiz has already missed 19 matches across club and country since the injury period began: 10 in Serie A, four in the Europa League, and five in Turkey’s Nations League fixtures at the start of the campaign.
With his return now under question, Juventus will need to manage their attacking rhythm and creative options over the closing weeks of 2026. The coming weeks will also test how quickly they can replicate the threat Yildiz brings in wide areas and between the lines—areas where he has often been central to their best attacking spells.
For supporters, the immediate watchpoint is simple: whether Juventus get Yildiz back in time to help through the Roma game on December 19, or whether his comeback has to wait until 2027.
