The injury curse continues to haunt Juventus striker Arkadiusz Milik, as his much-anticipated return to the pitch has once again been derailed. Just when it seemed he was inching closer to full fitness, another unexpected setback has forced the Polish forward to delay his comeback.
Strange Injury Off the Field
Unlike typical football injuries that occur during matches or on the training ground, Milik’s latest blow came from an unusual source — the gym. According to Juventus’ official statement, the 30-year-old forward sustained a laceration injury while working out at the club’s fitness facility.
The bizarre incident took place on June 24, and the club confirmed that Milik suffered a deep tear on the back of his right calf. While the injury did not occur during a high-intensity session or contact sport, it was still severe enough to interrupt his recovery schedule.
As a result, Juventus’ medical team has placed Milik on a revised rehabilitation plan, delaying his return to training for at least another week, depending on how the wound heals in the coming days.
A String of Setbacks Since Mid-2024
This latest injury adds to a growing list of physical woes that have plagued Milik since June 2024, when he suffered a serious meniscus injury. That knee problem sidelined him for several months and significantly impacted his chances of featuring consistently for Juventus.
His recovery journey since then has been anything but smooth. Periodic setbacks and slow progress have limited his appearances, with his last outing for Juventus coming on May 25, 2024, during the final game of the Serie A season.
This stop-start recovery has frustrated both player and club, especially considering Juventus’ need to strengthen their attacking depth. With the summer transfer window in full swing, Juventus was reportedly exploring the option of either reintegrating Milik into the squad or considering loan or transfer opportunities. This injury has now put all those plans on pause.
Juventus’ Growing Injury Concerns
Milik isn’t the only name currently sidelined at Juventus. The club’s medical room remains active, with several other players also undergoing rehabilitation. Newly signed defender Lloyd Kelly, young midfielder Nicolo Savona, Colombian full-back Juan Cabal, and experienced goalkeeper Mattia Perin are all reportedly still training separately from the main squad.
These ongoing injuries are raising concerns for Juventus as they prepare for the upcoming 2025–26 campaign. Head coach Thiago Motta, who recently took over the reins, will be eager to have as many players as possible fit and ready ahead of pre-season friendlies and Serie A’s return.
What’s Next for Milik?
The clock continues to tick for Arkadiusz Milik, whose contract situation and future with Juventus remain uncertain. The club’s patience, though commendable, may not be limitless, especially with the player’s continued absence from competitive action.
As for Milik himself, this latest injury is a reminder of how unpredictable and frustrating the road to recovery can be. For now, all eyes will be on his healing progress, with hopes that this odd gym injury will be the last hurdle before he’s finally able to rejoin the squad.
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