TURIN, ITALY – DECEMBER 11: Weston McKennie of Juventus scores his team’s second goal during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD6 match between Juventus and Manchester City at Juventus Stadium on December 11, 2024 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)

Juventus coach Thiago Motta confirms Nico Gonzalez will be available against Venezia tomorrow, while Weston McKennie could start and try to score more goals for the Old Lady.

Juventus return to the pitch tomorrow, three days after beating Manchester City 2-0 in the sixth round of the Champions League.

Old Lady boss Motta provided the latest team news during a pre-match press conference at the Allianz Stadium.

Gleison Bremer, Juan Cabal, Arkadiuz Milk, Andrea Cambiaso and Jonas Rouhi will not be available, the Bianconeri coach said.

Rouhi suffered a muscle injury that was described as “not serious.”

“Cambiaso hasn’t recovered yet. He’s in pain and won’t be able to play tomorrow,” Motta continued.

“Nico Gonzalez is back. He is very happy because he has worked hard to be available along with the medical and performance staff. I hope I can give him some playing time and we’ll see how tomorrow’s game goes.”

Rouhi’s injury means Motta has limited options in defense, but the Bianconeri coach said Timothy Weah, Manuel Locatelli and McKennie could play in defense if needed.

The American midfielder scored the second goal against Manchester City on Wednesday.

“He can start (against Venezia), and not just him,” Motta said.

Juventus: Motta expects more goals from McKennie and confirms Nico’s return

“I have already said that I am fortunate to have players with different skills that give me multiple options before and during the game. Weston, like all the other players, had a big impact in the last game. You helped the team when we needed it. He has physical and technical skills that require him to – not be able to – force him into the penalty area more often to score goals. He scored a great goal on Wednesday. Not just the goal itself. The build-up from the back was excellent, with great intensity and quality.”

Motta’s assistant coach Alexandre Hugeux will be on the bench tomorrow as the former Italy midfielder serves a one-match ban.

“I trust him, he is a top person, not only professionally but also personally,” said Motta.

“I am glad that we are working together and it is to his credit that we have worked well together so far. He is a hard worker, knowledgeable and a top person.”

Will Motta’s absence impact the team’s performance?

“Tomorrow we will see, but I think and hope that it will not have any impact,” replied the Bianconeri coach.

“I also hope it increases the team’s awareness. We’re talking about great players who know what to do. The perspective from the stands is certainly different. When you’re on the pitch you notice certain things. You understand the feelings and mood of the team differently. I think it’s better to stay on the pitch, but there are things you see differently than in the stands. I trust my players 200%. You know what we need tomorrow. Start the game with intensity to cause trouble for the opponents.”

Michele Di Gregorio made two fantastic saves against Manchester City but has been on the bench for the last two Serie A games. Will Motta continue to rotate between the posts?

“Let’s see. He’s a great goalkeeper. We have three great goalkeepers,” he said.

“I’m happy with them because the competition is healthy and helps them raise the bar.”