Jeff Ekhator signs for Juventus (Juventus.com)
Jeff Ekhator has endured a difficult start to life at Juventus, as he has remained injured since arriving at the club and has now suffered another setback in his recovery from a previous injury.
Ekhator missed much of the pre-season and had been hopeful of returning to action soon so he could get some minutes under his belt and show what he can do at a big club.
However, he has continued to suffer setbacks in his bid to return, and the attacker is one of the players Juve had been hoping would make an impact for their team.
The Bianconeri have signed another attacker, and when Ekhator returns, there will be serious competition for game time. He could even be sent out on loan in January.
Ekhator faces more time out
Ekhator needs regular playing time, and if he had been fit, he would have had the opportunity to prove that he is ready to compete for Juventus regularly.
The attacker understands the importance of getting back on the pitch, but another setback has delayed his return. He has now been tipped to spend up to eight weeks on the sidelines before he can return to action, according to a report on Calciomercato.
That represents another frustrating blow for a player who has yet to establish himself at Juventus. Missing so much football will make it more difficult for him to compete for a regular place when he eventually returns.
(Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
Juventus have future plans
Juve see Ekhator as a player they can rely on in the future, but the Old Lady cannot always wait for him to overcome his fitness problems.
The arrival of another attacker means Ekhator could face even greater competition when he returns. If he cannot establish himself quickly, Juventus could consider sending him out on loan in January to give him the playing time he needs.
For now, his priority has to be recovering fully and avoiding further setbacks. Juventus will want him back in contention as soon as possible, but they will also need him to remain fit once he returns.
Ekhator has plenty of time to prove his worth, but he must overcome his current injury problems before he can begin showing Juventus why they believe he has a future at the club.