Kamil Grabara’s first season in Turin looks all but over before it began. The Polish goalkeeper twisted his right knee during a training session on Saturday, and diagnostic tests at J|Medical confirmed a tear of the anterior cruciate ligament.

Juventus said in their statement that Grabara would undergo further orthopaedic consultations “to determine the course of treatment”, stopping short of a formal recovery window. Reports around the club have put the likely absence at six to seven months.

The timing is cruel. Grabara had made his competitive debut just two days earlier, keeping a clean sheet and providing the long ball that led to Nico Gonzalez’s opening goal in a 5-0 Europa League win over NEC Nijmegen.

A familiar name back on the shortlist

With Carlo Pinsoglio the only remaining senior deputy behind first-choice Guglielmo Vicario, Juventus moved on the free agent market within hours. According to reports relayed by Goal, a decision is expected within 24 to 48 hours, with Neto in pole position.

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The 37-year-old Brazilian has been without a club since leaving Botafogo, and both his profile and his history in Turin have tipped the shortlist his way. Neto served as Gianluigi Buffon’s understudy at Juventus between 2015 and 2017, winning two Serie A titles, two Coppa Italia trophies and an Italian Super Cup during that spell.

Alessio Cragno and Alfred Gomis were also considered, alongside veterans including Jasper Cillessen, Sergio Rico and Asmir Begovic. Neto’s previous stint at the club and his experience as a top-flight number two carried the day. Head coach Luciano Spalletti has given the signing his blessing, with the club looking for an experienced option at low cost.

Six games in nine years for Pinsoglio

The urgency reflects a suddenly threadbare department. Vicario, on loan from Tottenham with an option to buy, is the undisputed starter, but Pinsoglio has made only six appearances in nine years as third choice, hardly the profile to spend a full Serie A and Europa League campaign deputising.

No formal announcement has come from the club. A confirmation on the free-agent signing is expected in the coming hours.

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