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Juventus team news: Three key men to miss Lyon clash, important duo also doubts

Juventus will resume their journey to a much-awaited European triumph when they will face French club Lyon in the first-leg of the UEFA Champions League round-of-16 clash at the Groupama Stadium on Wednesday.

The Italian visitors will be entering the tie as firm favourites despite their recent struggles on the domestic front, where their lead on the top of the Serie A table is now reduced to a single point over second-placed Lazio after 25 matches.

Juventus was placed in the Group D during the round-robin stage where they ended on the top of the table after registering 16 points out of the possible 18.

Coming into this match, there is uncertainty regarding the Turin-based outfit’s performances in the recent past, which puts manager Maurizio Sarri under additional pressure.

On the team news front, as per Squawka, the Old Lady will be without their star winger Douglas Costa, who is set to miss out the match due to a knee injury.

He is not the only big absentee for Juventus, who will also miss the midfield duo of Miralem Pjanic and Sami Khedira.

Centre-back Merih Demiral and striker Gonzalo Higuain are also uncertain to take part in the match.

Search for European glory

Juventus have been desperate to become champions of Europe again and have had a number of near misses in recent times.

The signing of Cristiano Ronaldo was designed to take the Turin club to the ultimate prize, with other star names through Sarri’s side.

Juventus will fancy their chances of progressing against Lyon but must be careful in the first leg in France.

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