Juric ‘worried’ about Bellotti’s injury

Ivan Juric admits his concerns regarding Andrea Belotti’s injury as the recovery time of the Italian striker remains unknown.

In August, the 27-year-old sustained a severely bruised fibula but was expected to remain out of action for just 20 days.

However, the striker has been on the treatment table for over a month and his return to action doesn’t seem to be anywhere near.

“Belotti can’t run and we can’t predict his return to action,” Juric said at a press conference ahead of tomorrow’s match against Lazio.

“I was hoping for a different progression, but after a long time, he still can’t run. When it’s like this, one gets worried.

“He’s got a massive contusion to his tibial muscle. We expected this week to be fine, but it’s not. I can not give any [return] date. The diagnosis is this. We hope he can get over it without any further problem,” the coach continued.

Belotti’s contract expires in June, but Juric insists the striker’s return to action has nothing to do with his future at the club.

“Not at all, he is a lion and I think his expiring contract is a good thing for everybody,” he said.

“When you’re in this situation, you can’t be more motivated. For me, it’s a great advantage, I think he’s aware and he’s super motivated. But also very worried and sorry for not giving his contribution. I see him well.”

The Croatian coach went on to talk about Lazio, who will travel to Turin after a 2-2 draw against Cagliari.

“I think Lazio played a good game, despite a draw, we have prepared the game as we usually do.

“I am curious, I am still getting to know my team. Lazio are really strong, so we’ll need a great performance.”

The Granata beat Sassuolo 1-0 over the weekend.

“I am happy, I prefer enthusiasm to depression, but the season has just begun. We played three games really well and one really badly. It’s too early to judge, we must go ahead keeping our feet on the ground,” the coach concluded.