After the horrific injury sustained by defender Jorge Andrade on
Sunday, French veteran Lilian Thuram is the latest defender to be
linked with Juventus.
Portugal defender, Andrade, sustained a broken kneecap during the
2-2 draw with Roma at the Stadio Olimpico. Early reports suggested
that the defender was almost certain to miss the rest of the season
and La Gazzetta dello Sport even claimed that the playerÂ’s career
may be over.
It now appears that Andrade will be out until March but this still
leaves Juventus Coach Claudio Ranieri desperate to bring in at
least one top-class central defender.
Tuttosport are now reporting that the Juventus hierarchy will make
their move for out-of-favour Barcelona centre back Lilian Thuram.
The French legend played for Juventus for five seasons between 2001
and 2006, winning four Scudetti.
Thuram, who will turn 36 in January, is believed to be in favour of
the move in order to get regular first-team football ahead of the
Euro 2008 Championships next June. Ranieri has also given his
go-ahead as he believes the France record cap-holder will act as
the perfect mentor for the young Domenico Criscito, whilst also
adding some much-needed experience to the Juve back-line.
