Massimiliano Allegri wants to see a ‘humble’ Juventus against Cremonese and hopes he will have all players available by the end of the month.

The Bianconeri return to the pitch tomorrow in an away game at Cremonese, the only Serie A team without victories this term.

“Tomorrow we face a tough team after a break of 52 days,” said Allegri.

“Cremonese didn’t concede in the last home games. they are fifth in Serie A for shots on target, they are aggressive, so we need to have respect and be humble.

“I am curious to see the approach, it will make the difference, we must be in the right mood after a break of 52 days. It’s the second part of the season, the decisive one. We must have enthusiasm, desire and responsibility. It’s part of the job. Otherwise, it would be too flat.”

The Serie A giants are dealing with several absentees. Leonardo Bonucci, Paul Pogba and Dusan Vlahovic won’t be available because of injuries, Angel Di Maria and Leandro Paredes returned to Turin yesterday while Federico Chiesa is still not ready to play 90 minutes.

“Pogba is running, the most important thing is that he feels no discomfort in his knee at the moment,” said Allegri.

The France international underwent meniscus surgery in September and has yet to make his first competitive appearance with the Old Lady this term.

“If he continues like this, he can join the team in 15-20 days, but it all depends on how the situation evolves and when he will raise the bar. Step by step.

“Chiesa is feeling better, he has worked with the team and is ready to play a fraction in the game. I will make my assessments today and talk to the players. Substitutions will be crucial tomorrow. Those who have worked here feel quite well.”

Fans were not happy to see Di Maria and Paredes return to Turin late after Argentina’s World Cup, but they could still be involved tomorrow.

“Making them return a day earlier would have changed nothing, we need to look at the long run, not a single game,” said Allegri. “It was fair to let them enjoy a week off after winning the World Cup, it doesn’t happen every year.

“Di Maria is feeling quite well, we rarely had Di Maria, Pogba and Chiesa. Hopefully, Vlahovic will be back soon. We need everyone, the return of these players is essential.

“Vlahovic is feeling better and I hope that everyone will be available by the end of the month.

“I will assess Szczesny, the three Brazilians are fit, right now I must make my assessment because we play again in 72 hours,” he continued.

Adrien Rabiot is among the players with a contract expiring in June, but he doesn’t seem willing to extend his stay at the club.

“It’s useless to talk about transfers now, we must focus on the pitch. Rabiot is feeling fine, he returned from the World Cup with the desire to do well, we are focused on what we need to do from now until June 5,” said Allegri who also didn’t comment on the sporting trial that could be reopened in January, regarding alleged inflated transfer values.

“The club released a statement in November, I have nothing more to say,” concluded the coach.

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