TURIN, ITALY - OCTOBER 22: Zeki Celik of Juventus celebrates scoring the opening goal during the UEFA Europa League 2026/27 League Phase MD3 match between Juventus and Stade Rennais FC at Juventus Stadium on October 22, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Daniele Badolato - Juventus FC/Juventus FC via Getty Images)
A 2-2 draw against Stade Rennais in the UEFA Europa League proved costly, as fresh muscle injuries to Zeki Çelik and Nico González have pushed the squad’s mounting injury crisis into critical territory. Both players underwent diagnostic testing this morning, confirming low-grade strains that will keep them sidelined through an already demanding stretch of the schedule.
The mid-week European fixture delivered setbacks before the final whistle even blew. Right-back Zeki Çelik, who gave his side an early lead with a 5th-minute strike, was forced off at half-time after experiencing sharp discomfort in his leg. Subsequent medical tests confirmed a low-grade strain to his left hamstring. According to reports from La Gazzetta dello Sport, the Turkish international is facing a recovery timeline of approximately three weeks.
Matters grew worse shortly after the match concluded. Argentine winger Nico González, who entered as a second-half substitute in the 59th minute, reported muscle discomfort in his calf during post-match recovery. Morning scans revealed a low-grade strain to his right soleus muscle, with La Gazzetta dello Sport projecting an estimated lay-off of one month.
TURIN, ITALY - OCTOBER 22: Nicolas Gonzalez of Juventus celebrates during the UEFA Europa League 2026/27 League Phase MD3 match between Juventus and Stade Rennais FC at Juventus Stadium on October 22, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Alberto Gandolfo - Juventus/Juventus FC via Getty Images)
Juventus FC via Getty Images
These setbacks come at a devastating moment for a squad already stripped of core talent across every line on the pitch. Çelik and González now join an extensive recovery room that already includes Manuel Locatelli, Khephren Thuram, Francisco Conceição, Kenan Yıldız, Jeff Ekhator, and goalkeeper Kamil Grabara.
With eight key figures unavailable, tactical flexibility will be severely constrained in the coming weeks. The club’s medical staff does not anticipate the first batch of returning players until after the November international break, forcing the manager to rely heavily on emergency reshuffling and rotation to stay afloat.