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Kenan Yildiz sidelined with injury: Turkey anxious about Juventus star’s World Cup readiness
Priya Nambiar | May 25, 2026 2:12 AM CST

Kenan Yildiz has been ruled out due to a calf injury suffered during Juventus training, forcing him to sit out the final matchday of the Serie A season.

As reported by the Italian daily Gazzetta dello Sport, the Turkish international has sustained a mild calf strain rather than a complete tear. This setback will keep him out of Juventus’ last Serie A fixture against Torino, a match that could determine the club’s qualification for next season’s Champions League.

The winger’s injury, described as a partial calf tear, is expected to sideline him for around three weeks. This timeline raises concerns about his availability for the upcoming World Cup, as his recovery period overlaps with Turkey’s final preparations for the tournament.

Turkey are set to begin their World Cup campaign against Australia on 14 June, just three weeks from now. Yildiz therefore faces a tight race to regain full fitness in time. Despite the injury, national head coach Vincenzo Montella is expected to include him in the final 26-man squad. Montella has so far named a provisional group of 35 players, meaning nine will still need to be dropped. Alongside Arda Güler, Yildiz is regarded as one of Turkey’s most promising talents. In the group stage of the World Cup, Turkey will also meet Paraguay on 20 June and the tournament hosts, the USA, on 26 June.

Kenan Yildiz has also received recognition in Serie A for his performances this season.

The 21-year-old forward, born in Regensburg, has been named the Italian league’s “Rising Star of the Season” after an impressive campaign with Juventus. Yildiz began his career in Bayern Munich’s youth academy but joined Juventus after contract talks with the German club broke down. He quickly adapted to life in Turin, earning a place in the senior side and making an immediate impact. To date, he has represented Turkey 28 times at the senior level, scoring five goals.

Kenan Yildiz’s statistics for the 2025–26 season:


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