Juventus defender Alex Sandro is expected to miss the club’s upcoming clash with German side SC Freiburg, according to Calciomercato.
The Bianconeri are preparing to welcome Freiburg to Turin for their Europa League round of 16 first-leg encounter, but they will be without Sandro for the tricky tie.
The Brazilian gave the club a huge scare when he failed to return for the second half during Sunday’s 1-0 defeat to AS Roma. He was replaced by Leonardo Bonucci.
However, upon further examination, Massimiliano Allegri was able to breathe a sigh of relief after it was revealed the defender did not sustain a major injury.
Sandro was reportedly only suffering from slight fatigue, and his condition will be assessed daily by the medical staff.
The Brazil international will now miss the game against Freiburg as a precautionary measure but is expected to be fit enough to face Sampdoria next weekend.
Sandro’s current contract expires at the end of the season, but the Old Lady retains an option for a further one-year extension.
The 32-year-old was expected to leave on a free transfer next summer, with the club already scouring the market for his replacement.
However, following a change of heart, Juventus will reportedly exercise the clause in his contract, extending his stay until the summer of 2024. Sandro will then be able to leave on a free transfer.
Sandro has been a core part of Allegri’s squad this season. He has featured 29 times across all competitions, chipping in with two assists.
The Brazilian put in a strong first-half display playing as a left centre-back in the defeat to Roma before being taken off.
The result of the game effectively dashed Juventus’ hopes of beating the odds and forcing their way into the top-four reckoning.
However, a fairytale ending to an already turbulent campaign could still be on the cards for Allegri’s side, but they have to overcome Freiburg without their versatile left back to keep the fire burning.
