Juventus hope Thuram fit despite conflicting reports before Sporting clash

Juventus remain hopeful Khephren Thuram will be fit to face Sporting Lisbon tonight, despite Tuttosport raising concerns over a potential recurrence of his calf injury.

The French midfielder had missed the recent win over Udinese with a problem in his left calf but returned to start against Cremonese, lasting 79 minutes before being substituted.

According to Tuttosport, Thuram experienced renewed discomfort and risked losing his place in the starting XI at the Allianz Stadium.

If the Frenchman had been unavailable, Luciano Spalletti was reportedly prepared to drop Weston McKennie into a central midfield role, with winger Francisco Conceição taking his spot on the right.

However, Sky Sport Italia later downplayed the fears, reporting that Thuram should be available for selection. A final decision will be taken close to kick-off.

Spalletti will make his Champions League debut with the Bianconeri on the Juventus bench tonight after replacing Igor Tudor as head coach last week.