Polish striker Arkadiusz Milik has been struggling with injuries for what feels like an eternity, and it seems like the football world is still waiting for his return to the pitch. The Juventus forward has been out of commission since June 2023, when he suffered a knee injury during a friendly match against Ukraine ahead of Euro 2024.
Since then, Milik has been plagued by a series of setbacks, including a shin injury in January and further muscle problems. As a result, his much-anticipated return to the pitch has been pushed back to next summer, according to Italian journalist Giovanni Albanese.
The 28-year-old has been keeping his fans updated on his progress through social media, posting a series of photos and a short video on Instagram last week, showcasing his rehabilitation exercises, including cycling on a stationary bike. „It’s been a tough road, but every day I’m getting stronger. Thanks for the support!” he wrote.
However, the big question on everyone’s lips is: when will Milik finally make his comeback? Unfortunately, the answer remains unclear. Italian sports journalist Nicolo Schira believes that it’s highly unlikely Milik will play again this season, citing the severity of his injuries and the need for a prolonged recovery period.
In the meantime, Juventus is facing a crucial period in the Serie A season, with just six matches remaining. The Turin-based club is currently fourth in the table, 12 points behind leaders Inter Milan. In addition, they will participate in the Club World Cup in June, where they will face Al-Ain, Wydad Casablanca, and Manchester City.
The uncertainty surrounding Milik’s future has sparked speculation that he may be leaving Juventus in the summer. According to Albanese, the club is considering terminating his contract, which runs until June 2026, by mutual agreement. If that happens, Milik would be free to join any club of his choice without a transfer fee.
While Milik’s injuries have undoubtedly been a major setback, they have also highlighted the importance of player welfare and the need for careful injury management. According to data from the UEFA Injury Study, muscle injuries account for approximately 30% of all injuries sustained by professional footballers, with knee injuries being the second most common type of injury.
In Poland, where football is a national obsession, Milik’s struggles have been closely followed by fans and media alike. According to a survey by Polish sports website Sport.pl, 75% of respondents believe that Milik’s injuries have been the biggest disappointment of the season.
Despite the setbacks, Milik remains one of the most talented and promising players in the Polish national team, with 59 caps and 16 goals to his name. Here’s hoping that he can finally put his injury woes behind him and return to the pitch sooner rather than later.
Stats:
* 75% of Poles believe Milik’s injuries have been the biggest disappointment of the season (Source: Sport.pl)
* 30% of professional footballer injuries are muscle-related (Source: UEFA Injury Study)
* 12 points separate Juventus from leaders Inter Milan in the Serie A table
* 6 matches remain in the Serie A season for Juventus
* Arkadiusz Milik has 59 caps and 16 goals for the Polish national team
