Yildiz joins Juventus’s Asian‑Australia trek, Thuram stays sidelined

Juventus will depart for an Asian‑Australia pre‑season tour, flying first to Hong Kong and then to Perth, with Kenan Yildiz joining the squad’s flight; injured forward Khephren Thuram stays in Italy, missing the journey after July’s pre‑season that featured a draw with Basilea and wins over Standard Liegi and Nizza.

The plane that will carry the team, led by Luciano Spalletti, will first touch down in Hong Kong before heading to Perth, and Kenan Yildiz will be among the passengers.

The number ten has not yet played a minute this summer, concentrating solely on a full physical recovery after knee problems that limited the end of last season; his season will therefore start in Oriente, with a probable 5 August clash in China against Chelsea coached by Xabi Alonso.

New signings are also undergoing checks: Kerim Alajbegovic completed his medical examination last night, while Randal Kolo Muani is scheduled to attend the J Medical centre in the morning.

Juventus will hold a final training session this afternoon before leaving Italy and Europe; the itinerary includes a first stop in Hong Kong and a second in Perth, where Locatelli and teammates will face a double Italian derby – a big match against Inter on 8 August and a meeting with Palermo, managed by Pippo Inzaghi, on 11 August.

Injured players Khephren Thuram and Jeff Ekhator will not join the tour; the Frenchman and the Italian will work at the Continassa with the aim of returning for a family friendly against the Next Gen side on 17 August at Allianz Stadium and for the league debut on 23 August at the home of Frosinone.

The Asian‑Australia trek marks the official start of Juventus’s new campaign, following a July that closed with a draw against Basilea and victories over Standard Liegi and Nizza.