Juventus and Turkey attacker Kenan Yildiz is ruled out of the Nations League clash between Turkey and France on September 25. The 21-year-old has suffered a fracture of the fifth metatarsal in his left foot, an injury requiring surgery that will sideline him for an estimated two and a half to three months.
La Gazzetta dello Sport reported the details of the injury on Monday, which occurred during Sunday's opening Serie A matchday. Yildiz was forced off in the 69th minute of Juventus's 1-0 win over Frosinone, replaced by Jeremie Boga. This absence deprives the Turkish national team of a key player, with 5 goals in 31 caps, for Zinedine Zidane's first match in charge of Les Bleus.
What is the impact on Juventus?
The loss of Kenan Yildiz is a significant blow for Juventus at the start of the season. The Turkish international finished the previous campaign with solid statistics of 14 goals and 10 assists. His absence will be felt on both domestic and European fronts.
He is expected to miss at least ten league matches and four Europa League fixtures. The Turin club must now find internal solutions to compensate for this major offensive loss. Juventus hopes for his return before the decisive autumn period.
What does this mean for Turkey?
Turkey begins the Nations League group stage with a depleted squad. Kenan Yildiz was a key attacking element and his presence was anticipated for the opening match against France. His injury comes at an inopportune time, just weeks before this crucial fixture.
The Turkish manager must revise his tactical plans and find a replacement capable of facing a French defense that, despite recent mixed results, remains one of the most formidable in the world. France currently sits first in their 2026 World Cup qualifying group, with nine points and three wins from three games.
What is the context for Les Bleus?
France travels to Turkey with mixed morale. They are coming off a 4-6 defeat to England on July 18th and show a difficult recent run of form with four losses in their last five matches. However, their position atop the World Cup qualifiers and their prolific attack, led by Kylian Mbappé and his 10 goals this season, makes them a daunting opponent.
This match will mark the official debut of Zinedine Zidane as head coach. The former playmaker inherits a team in transition but one with major assets. France's next fixture is precisely this match in Turkey, which you can find on our fixtures page.
What comes next for Yildiz?
Kenan Yildiz will undergo surgery in the coming days. The recovery period is set between ten and twelve weeks. His goal will be to return to competition before the winter break.
For Juventus, it's a chance for other players to step up. For Turkey, it's a test of squad depth at the dawn of an important cycle. And for France, it's an opportunity to start a new era under Zidane with an away victory. Fans can follow the evolution of the French squad on our squad page.
