Juventus Faces Setback with Vlahovic Injury in Champions League Chase

Juventus’ push for a return to the Champions League has taken a jolt, with Dusan Vlahovic facing another spell on the sidelines just weeks after his comeback from a long lay-off.

The 26-year-old striker, who had been out since December before returning to action in mid-March, suffered a new setback during Monday’s 2-0 Serie A win over Genoa. The victory kept Juve in the thick of the top-four race. The news that followed cut straight through the optimism.

The club revealed that Vlahovic felt a problem in his left calf during the warm-up held before the second half against Genoa. Juventus sent him for tests on Tuesday morning, seeking clarity on an issue they could ill afford to ignore at this stage of the season.

“The examinations revealed low-grade damage,” Juve announced, confirming the injury but stopping short of providing a precise timetable.

Italian media were less cautious. Reports there say Vlahovic is expected to be out for at least three weeks, a timeline that would rule him out of a crucial stretch as the league campaign enters its decisive phase.

It comes at a brutal moment. Juventus sit fifth in Serie A, one point behind Como, who currently occupy the final Champions League spot, with seven games left to play. Every fixture now carries weight. Every absence matters.

Vlahovic’s return in March had promised to restore a cutting edge to a side fighting to stay in touch with the top four. Instead, Juve must once again adjust without their leading forward, just when the margin for error has almost disappeared.