A surprising return has brightened the mood at Juventus: Arkadiusz Milik is back training with the first team. The Polish striker has become almost a myth among Juventus fans, who haven’t seen him on the pitch since April 2024. Despite showcasing promising performances during his active period with Juventus amidst a challenging time for the Bianconeri, the former Napoli player has unfortunately become a meme among supporters due to his prolonged absence. The other side of the coin reveals a 648-day ordeal, unable to pursue his greatest passion. Now, Milik appears to be truly back and might be available for Spalletti for the upcoming match against Pisa.
Milik’s Enduring Ordeal
Milik’s last official appearance dates back to May 25, 2024, when interim coach Montero (following Allegri’s dismissal) started him in the final match of the season against Monza. Days later, he played for Poland in a friendly against Ukraine but had to leave after just five minutes due to a knee injury. From that point, a void emerged: a series of severe knee injuries, which subsequently led to other muscular issues in his hamstrings, adductors, and calves due to the prolonged period away from running and playing.
While some fans might have forgotten him, the club consistently supported him throughout his lengthy rehabilitation. Evidencing this, in April 2025, nearly a year after his last appearance, Juventus announced the renewal of his contract until 2027. This move is largely speculated to be a strategic one, aimed at spreading his salary from the previous season over two. Milik himself reportedly waived a portion of his past season’s salary while confined to the infirmary. Despite the setbacks, the club never abandoned him, and now the Polish striker appears ready for his return.
Will Milik Be Called Up? An Emotional Message
On social media, he shared a heartfelt message: «Sometimes the journey is more difficult, but it is precisely in those moments that you learn to appreciate what you have more. Training with the team, moments with my family, and the ability to do what I love. I am grateful for the people around me and for being back on the field. Thank you also for all the birthday wishes and for your support.» This emotional message was accompanied by photos from his training sessions at Continassa. If these positive signs are confirmed, he could be available for Spalletti for Saturday’s match against Pisa. Milik had formally been called up for the December matches against Roma and Pisa, but a subsequent calf injury relapse forced him back to the sidelines.
Douglas Luiz’s Resurgence: Back-Heel Goal Hints at Permanent Move
Regardless, Milik remains completely outside Juventus’s long-term sporting project, both due to his age and his extensive injury history. It is highly probable that he will definitively leave Turin at the end of the season, much like Douglas Luiz. The Brazilian’s situation is, of course, different; he arrived at Juventus with significant expectations but entirely disappointed. After a very underwhelming season, last summer he was loaned first to Nottingham Forest and then, in January, returned to Aston Villa, where he had previously displayed his best football. In Birmingham, he seems to have rediscovered his form: starting six times in the last six league matches and even scoring a spectacular back-heel goal against Chelsea, his first goal in two years. His recent performances bode well for the Villans to secure his permanent transfer. The buy-out clause is set at 25 million euros, which would be a significant financial benefit for Juventus.