Juventus midfielder Khephren Thuram has undergone successful knee surgery in Lyon and will be sidelined until at least January 2027, the club confirmed on Thursday.
The 25-year-old French international was operated on at Hôpital Privé Jean Mermoz by renowned orthopaedic specialist Professor Bertrand Sonnery-Cottet — the same surgeon who previously treated Juventus defenders Bremer and Gatti. Juventus medical director Dr. Luca Stefanini was present during the procedure.
The operation was a chondroplasty to treat patellofemoral syndrome of the right knee, a condition that had been affecting Thuram since the closing weeks of the 2025-26 season. According to the club, the surgery went smoothly and the midfielder will begin a rehabilitation programme immediately, with the goal of returning to competitive action in early 2027.
Thuram had not featured in any of Juventus' pre-season friendlies this summer. He trained separately from the squad throughout the off-season while managing the knee issue, but ultimately the decision was made that surgery was the best course of action to ensure a full recovery.
The setback leaves Juventus light in midfield for the opening months of the campaign. The Turin club signed Pape Matar Sarr on loan with an option to buy from Tottenham on transfer deadline day, a deal driven in part by the need to cover Thuram's prolonged absence. He joins Kenan Yildiz — who is recovering from foot surgery and expected to miss at least three months — on a growing injury list at the Allianz Stadium.
According to Sky Sport Italia, Thuram is expected to miss at least 14 matches across Serie A and the Europa League, including the upcoming derby against Milan on September 6 and the opening Europa League fixtures. The loss of a player who had established himself as a key presence in Thiago Motta's midfield last season is a significant blow as Juventus look to build on their return to Champions League football.
Thuram, who joined Juventus from Nice in 2023, made 38 appearances in all competitions last season, contributing three goals and five assists. His absence places additional pressure on the club's midfield options, with Sarr, Manuel Locatelli, and Weston McKennie expected to share the burden until his return.
Sources
- https://football-italia.net/juventus-star-thuram-surgery-ruled-out-2027/
- https://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/Serie-A/Juventus/02-09-2026/khephren-thuram-si-opera-al-ginocchio-juve-sara-out-4-mesi.shtml
- https://sport.sky.it/calcio/serie-a/2026/09/02/thuram-juve-infortunio-partite-serie-a-europa-league
