Thiago Motta hits back at Vlahovic and confirms seven Juventus players out vs. Milan | OneFootball

Thiago Motta insists that defensive duties are mandatory for Juventus and confirms that seven Bianconeri players, including Dusan Vlahovic, won’t be available against Milan on Saturday.

Juventus visit domestic rivals Milan at San Siro on Saturday but won’t rely on several players, including Vlahovic. The Serbia international sustained an injury while on international duty earlier this week.

During a pre-match press conference on Friday, Motta confirmed the list of absentees for the upcoming fixture. In addition to Vlahovic, Gleison Bremer, Nico Gonzalez, Arkarius Milik, Douglas Luiz, Juan Cabal, and Vasilije Adzic will also miss the game.

Cabal suffered a knee injury with Colombia and is not expected to return to action before 2025-26.

“We must all give something more,” said Motta.

“We’ve lost another lad, Cabal. You know he and Bremer will take longer to recover; the others will return to action earlier. We must all give something more so we don’t feel the absences in this period. We need focus, hard work and the utmost commitment for tomorrow’s big game.”

Thiago Motta hits back at Vlahovic and confirms seven Juventus players out vs. Milan

Dusan Vlahovic of Juventus scores a penalty goal during the UEFA Champions League league phase match between Lille OSC and Juventus FC, in Lille, France, 05 November 2024. EPA-EFE/CHRISTOPHE PETIT TESSON

Vlahovic said before getting injured during the break that he found it easier to play with a strike partner and fewer defensive cuties.

“I trust all my players; they know what we must do. I think they’ll do it, in attack and defence. We all agree. It’s an obligation, a duty, not an option,” the Bianconeri coach replied.

Motta faced a second question on Vlahovic and confirmed he had spoken to the striker about the matter.

“We have spoken and we agree,” said Motta.

“The most important thing is that we all agree we run, defend, and attack together here. We are on the same page and I have great trust in all my players, including Dusan.”

Vlahovic is Juventus’ best scorer this season, with nine goals in 16 appearances across all competitions.

Without the injured Milik, Motta doesn’t have a classic centre forward available against Milan, so Timothy Weah could get the nod up front as a lone striker.

“I like all he does,” Motta admitted.

“Especially the fact that he scores goals. Strikers need to finish an attack. He does many other things well, and it’s very interesting because he offers alternative solutions. He can play on the left, on the right, or as a striker. He helps, and he’s responsible. He understands what the team needs and his duties. We are happy he’s in good form, he must continue like this, whether he starts or not.”