Juventus' Dybala to miss 8th consecutive match

Paulo Dybala is nearing a return from a thigh problem, but Saturday's clash with red-hot Atalanta has come too soon for the Juventus star.

Dybala, who has been out since suffering the ailment in the Oct. 22 loss to AC Milan, was back in training this week, and will likely be looking at the upcoming meetings with Dinamo Zagreb and Torino for his much-anticipated return to action.

(Courtesy: Juventus)

Despite procuring positive results in his absence prior to last weekend's 3-1 meltdown against Genoa, the Bianconeri have looked jaded in attack without their talismanic Argentine.

In his continued absence, Mario Mandzukic and Gonzalo Higuain are expected to once again get the nod as an attacking partnership, with 16-year-old prodigy Moise Kean to be the lone bench option up front.