Dusan Vlahovic wasn’t rushed into the starting lineup after missing a couple of games due to muscle fatigue, and Juventus coach Thiago Motta suggested that his omissions against Milan and Club Brugge also derived from technical decisions.

According to Corriere dello Sport (via Tuttomercatoweb), it’s far from certain the Serb will get the nod versus Napoli on Saturday, even though Nicolas Gonzalez hasn’t been productive as a false-nine. The Bianconeri will have newcomer Randal Kolo Muani at their disposal for the first time. He’s been training with them in the last few days.

Vlahovic didn’t have an impact midweek while Juventus were laying siege, turning the ball over four times in seven touches. He hasn’t scored since December 17^th in a Coppa Italia match versus Cagliari. He has done 7 times in 17 Serie A matches and 4 in 6 Champions League ones.

Per Calciomercato, despite the drama, his struggles, and the issues related to his renewal, there’s nothing in the works for a January exit at this stage. The parties plot to take stock in February. An agreement on an extension is increasingly unlikely.

Our Take on Juventus and Vlahovic

Motta isn’t new to feuding with his star strikers, but the problems go way beyond the pitch, his lack of production, and the coach’s demands. Some officials would surely be more than happy to wipe his mammoth salary off the books sooner rather than later, but it affects his valuation too. Without a late surprise, they’ll have to find a way to make it work somewhat serenely for six months, or it’ll be a topic of conversation in every match.

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