Juventus midfielder Khephren Thuram is set to undergo knee surgery on Thursday, 3 September, and is not expected to return to action until January 2027, according to multiple reports in Italy.
Thuram has been troubled by patellofemoral syndrome since the end of the 2025-26 season. The condition affects the area around the kneecap and has prevented the France international from taking part fully in Juventus’ preparations for the new campaign.
The 25-year-old visited knee specialist Bertrand Sonnery Cottet in Lyon earlier this week. Reports from La Gazzetta dello Sport and SportMediaset say Sonnery Cottet recommended that Thuram have an operation.
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the procedure will be carried out using arthroscopy. It is intended to treat wear and tear to the cartilage covering the back of the kneecap.
Thuram is expected to be sidelined for about four months, with his comeback currently projected for January 2027. The reports do not indicate that he will be available during the opening part of Juventus’ campaign.
He did not feature in any of Juventus’ pre-season friendlies and spent much of the summer training separately from the rest of the squad as the club managed his condition.
The expected absence has already influenced Juventus’ activity in the transfer market. On deadline day, the club signed Pape Matar Sarr on loan from Tottenham, with an option to make the move permanent. The midfielder was brought in to provide additional depth in the centre of the pitch and cover for Thuram during the first part of the season.
Thuram joined Juventus as an important midfield option and had been preparing for his second season at the club before his knee problem ruled him out of the summer programme. His surgery means Juventus will have to manage the position without him until the winter period, should the recovery proceed as currently anticipated.
The Turin club are also dealing with another injury setback involving one of their key young players. Forward Kenan Yıldız recently underwent surgery after suffering a foot fracture and is expected to be unavailable for at least three months.
That timetable would keep Yıldız out for a significant part of the early season, leaving Juventus without two prominent squad members while they begin their campaign.
The reports on Thuram’s operation were published by Italian media, including La Gazzetta dello Sport and SportMediaset. Further updates on his recovery are expected after Thursday’s procedure.
