Kenan Yildiz will miss Juventus' last Serie A match against Torino after sustaining a minor calf strain during training. The Turkish international is expected to be sidelined for around three weeks, raising questions about his availability for Turkey's World Cup opener on 14 June. The injury comes at a critical moment for both club and country.
Medical Assessment and Recovery Outlook
Italian sports outlet Gazzetta dello Sport reported that Yildiz suffered a slight calf tear rather than a full rupture. Medical staff have not confirmed an exact return date, though the three-week estimate places him in a tight window before international duty. Juventus will therefore field the 21-year-old in neither the match that could confirm Champions League qualification nor any remaining preparation sessions.
Implications for Turkey's World Cup Preparations
Turkey begins its campaign against Australia on 14 June, followed by fixtures against Paraguay and the United States. National coach Vincenzo Montella has named an initial 35-man group and must trim nine players before finalising the 26-man squad. Yildiz, alongside Arda Güler, forms part of the core attacking options the federation expects to rely upon throughout the group stage.
Season Performance and Contract Background
Yildiz recorded 11 goals and 10 assists across 47 appearances and 3,696 minutes during the 2025-26 campaign. The Regensburg-born forward left Bayern Munich's academy after contract talks stalled and has since established himself in Juventus' first-team environment. His consistent output earned him recognition as Serie A's Rising Star of the Season.
Contractual and Selection Considerations
With 28 senior caps and five international goals already secured, Yildiz remains a likely inclusion for Montella's final roster. The timing of his recovery will determine whether he can participate in pre-tournament training or requires a managed return once the tournament begins. Juventus, meanwhile, will complete their domestic schedule without the player who contributed heavily to their attacking output throughout the year.