Juventus midfielder Khephren Thuram has undergone surgery on his right knee and is expected to be unavailable for at least four months, according to reports in Italy. The club confirmed the operation on Thursday, with Italian media suggesting the France international will not return until next year.
Thuram has been sidelined since the end of last season because of degeneration of the cartilage in his kneecap. The 25-year-old had already missed the start of Juventus’ new Serie A campaign before undergoing the procedure.
Reports by Gazzetta dello Sport and Sky Italia said Thuram faces a minimum absence of four months. That would keep him out for a substantial part of the season, although neither the club announcement nor the reports specified an exact date for his return.
The midfielder joined Juventus from Ligue 1 side Nice and has scored six goals in 70 Serie A appearances for the Turin club across his two seasons there. His latest injury represents a significant setback for a player who has become part of Juventus’ midfield options since moving to Italy.
Thuram is the younger brother of Inter winger Marcus Thuram and the son of former France defender Lilian Thuram. The family connection has made him a familiar name in European football, but his Juventus career has now been interrupted by a persistent knee problem.
The development comes as Juventus have made a positive start to the new Serie A season. They have won their opening two matches, despite finishing sixth in Italy’s top flight last term and consequently missing out on qualification for the Champions League.
Thuram’s absence will therefore be felt as Juventus attempt to build on that early league form. However, the club’s immediate priority will be his recovery after surgery, with the player not expected to feature again for at least four months.
Juventus have not provided a more detailed timetable beyond confirming the operation on the right knee. Italian reports indicate that the midfielder’s rehabilitation is likely to extend into next year.