Chiellini confirms Yildiz ‘out for a few months’ but offers encouraging update

Chiellini confirms Yildiz ‘out for a few months’ but offers encouraging update Juventus director Giorgio Chiellini has confirmed that Kenan Yildiz is set to be ruled out for several months after surgery on a fractured metatarsal, and though he admits this is an ‘annoying hitch’, the silver lining is that the injury will not be a recurring issue and is not expected to hamper the player’s long-term development. Yildiz requires surgery on a fractured metatarsal and is expected to be ruled out of action until late November. PERTH, AUSTRALIA – AUGUST 11: Jacopo Segre of Palermo FC and Kenan Yildiz of Juventus lead the teams out during the match between Juventus and Palermo at HBF Park on August 11, 2026 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images) It is a blow for the Bianconeri poster boy, who has only played 69 minutes of competitive football this season in a 1-0 victory away against Frosinone in Serie A last weekend. Still, Chiellini feels that this will bring an opportunity for others, potentially Jeremie Boga or Kerim Alajbegovic, to impress in Yildiz’s absence. The former Juventus defender spoke to Sky Sport Italia following the Europa League draw on Friday afternoon. Chiellini on Juventus expectations for 2026-27 and Yildiz condition BOLOGNA, ITALY – DECEMBER 14: Former Juventus player Giorgio Chiellini looks on prior to the Serie A match between Bologna FC 1909 and Juventus FC at Renato Dall’Ara Stadium on December 14, 2025 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images) Before addressing the Yildiz situation, Chiellini spoke about his expectations for the 2026-27 season, labelling Inter the clear and obvious favourites for the Serie A title. “In Italy, there is Inter, who are at an advantage compared to everyone else. Then there are the teams that are transitioning. Some things will change here in the last few days (of the transfer window), the team is working on it, the desire is to compete. “There are still lots of steps to take from there to becoming a winning side, we know that it isn’t easy to change everything and a lot depends on the other teams. Inter are the big favourites. “It will also depend on injuries. We’re looking at ourselves, we were a bit unlucky with Yildiz’s injury, but it means other guys will have a chance to prove themselves.” PERTH, AUSTRALIA – AUGUST 11: Kenan Yildiz of Juventus controls the ball during the match between Juventus and Palermo at HBF Park on August 11, 2026 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Janelle St Pierre/Getty Images) Asked if there are any updates on Yildiz’s condition, Chiellini said: “The situation is clear: He has a metatarsal injury, he will need to be operated on and will be out for a few months. “It’s not an injury that will affect things in the future. Once he returns he will be at 100%. It’s an annoying hitch, but it won’t take anything away from his career or his future.” Chiellini was also asked if he feels Juventus need to improve their concentration and leadership after appearing to struggle in big moments over the last two seasons. “Definitely,” the former Bianconeri captain agreed. “It’s difficult to find security in difficult moments after a negative few years. We’ve added personality, we’ve added solidity and these are things that were missing last year and were the cause of the failure to qualify for the Champions League.”