Juventus head into Matchday 4 of the UEFA Europa League facing AZ Alkmaar at 21:00 CET on November 5, 2026, with a badly stretched squad as Weston McKennie sits out the trip due to right adductor fatigue.
McKennie Sidelined as Spalletti Faces Squad Shortages
Weston McKennie will miss the journey to the Netherlands. He picked up fatigue in his right adductor during the 2-0 win over Napoli at the Allianz Stadium.
He was replaced at half-time by Federico Gatti. Sky Sport Italia reported that the American has no muscle tear and requires only a short rest. His availability for the upcoming league fixture is in doubt.
ANSA noted that the medical staff would re-examine him before Thursday. During Wednesday’s training session at Continassa, McKennie and Juan Cabal both started with separate work before joining the main group.
⚪⚫ Kerim Alajbegović's first league goal for Juventus ✅#UEL | @juventusfc pic.twitter.com/GPcn8KJZga
Luciano Spalletti must decide whether to hold McKennie out as a precaution with a Sunday match awaiting them.
Long-term absentees include Kenan Yıldız projected back in December, Khéphren Thuram in January, and Manuel Locatelli in March. Second goalkeeper Kamil Grabara has already concluded his season.
Luca Pellegrini Rugani, Edon Zhegrova, Samuel Ekhator, and Arkadiusz Milik were left out of the UEFA squad list. During Wednesday morning’s intensive training session, Spalletti pushed the squad through a handball drill, urging them on with the shout, Spingilo, buttalo giù
.
Zeki Celik worked separately on an adjacent pitch, and youth prospects Elimoghale, Pagnucco, Merola, and Owusu joined the first-team preparations.
Cabal and Alajbegović Cleared for European Travel
While McKennie stays behind, Juventus received positive news regarding Juan Cabal and Kerim Alajbegović.
Cabal suffered from cramp against Napoli after a prolonged absence from starting lineups, but tests confirmed he will make the trip to Alkmaar.
Alajbegović, who scored the opening goal against Napoli before making way for Jérémie Boga in the 70th minute, experienced only a knee knock that has already cleared up.
At 19 years and 41 days old, the teenager became the youngest non-Italian scorer in a Serie A fixture between Juventus and Napoli.
AZ Fortress Awaits as Juventus Chase European Form
Juventus enter Matchday 4 having collected two wins in the league phase.
They also have a draw in the league phase, supported by nine goals in this season’s Europa League—their highest total after three European matches since the 1999/2000 campaign.
Only Benfica, with ten goals, has scored more in the competition. History against Dutch opposition provides encouragement, as Juventus remain unbeaten in three previous Europa League fixtures against Eredivisie clubs with two victories and a single draw.
However, AZ Alkmaar present a formidable home challenge in Europe. The Dutch side’s last home defeat in continental competition was a 4-1 reverse against Aston Villa in the UEFA Conference League in October 2023.
Following Thursday’s European fixture, Juventus will travel directly to domestic action, visiting Fiorentina for Matchday 11 on Sunday, November 8, 2026, at 20:45.
