Juventus add Ekhator to European squad before AZ trip
The Italian side have drafted in their summer signing as a replacement for injured captain Manuel Locatelli amid extensive availability problems.
Juventus have registered Jeff Ekhator for European competition ahead of their away match against AZ, according to Voetbal International. The forward replaces long-term absentee Manuel Locatelli in the Italian club’s squad.
Ekhator joined Juventus from Genoa for almost €17 million last summer but has not played for the club this season because of injury. He made his Italy debut against Greece in June, providing an assist, although he had not initially been included in Juventus’ European squad.
UEFA requires clubs in its competitions to include a minimum number of locally trained players. Locatelli was developed by AC Milan, while Ekhator came through at Genoa, allowing Juventus to make the switch before travelling to Alkmaar.
Coach Luciano Spalletti has a lengthy list of absentees to manage. Alongside captain Locatelli, Kenan Yildiz, Khéphren Thuram, Francisco Conceição, Zeki Celik, Nico González and Kamil Grabara are injured. Weston McKennie will remain in Turin to rest, while Edon Zhegrova and former Ajax players Arek Milik and Daniele Rugani are not registered for the European campaign. Juventus currently sit seventh in Serie A.
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- Door blessures geplaagd Juve schrijft nieuwe speler in voor clash met AZ— Voetbal International
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