According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Spalletti is exploring midfield options for Juventus following the absences of Locatelli and Thuram.

With numerous players sidelined due to injuries, Spalletti is once again assembling a makeshift Juventus squad, hoping the team can remain competitive. Locatelli and Khephren Thuram both underwent surgery and are not expected to return before the new year. Spalletti needs to find the right midfield configuration for Juventus.

With Locatelli and Thuram sidelined for an extended period, Juventus needs mid-term solutions. Currently, the team has three pure central midfielders: Douglas Luiz, Koopmeiners, and Pape Sarr. McKennie can also play in midfield, but Spalletti prefers to use him as an attacking midfielder to capitalize on his late runs into the box and tactical awareness.

Sarr's transfer fee amounts to 30 million euros with a conditional mandatory purchase clause, ensuring he will receive significant playing time. The former Tottenham player has tactical similarities to Locatelli, and once he reaches peak physical condition, he is expected to become a starter. Douglas Luiz and Koopmeiners will compete for the other midfield spot. Although Koopmeiners scored as a substitute against Parma and provided an assist against AC Milan, the opening Serie A fixtures suggest he is currently behind Douglas Luiz in the pecking order, with the latter being the team's most composed player.

Given temporary injuries, suspensions, and other circumstances, Juventus is also evaluating alternative options. Against AC Milan, N. Gonzalez played as a central midfielder in a 4-3-3 formation. The Argentine has experience and versatility, able to drop deep and move centrally when needed to balance the three attacking players. During his time at Bologna, several coaches believed Lucumi could also operate as a defensive midfielder.

Juventus academy player Augusto Owusu is also a candidate worth noting. With two midfielders unavailable, he appears increasingly likely to make his debut, probably coming off the bench in initial matches.

For Sunday's match against Sassuolo, it remains uncertain whether McKennie and Sarr are in optimal condition, as both have recently dealt with muscle issues. Douglas Luiz and Koopmeiners are therefore more likely to start, with the former continuing his strong form from the season's opening and the latter having made two impactful substitute appearances.

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