Giorgio Chiellini will sit out Wednesday's Champions League visit from Barcelona with a muscle injury to his left thigh, potentially clearing the way for Benedikt Howedes' first appearance in a Juventus shirt.
Daniele Rugani and Medhi Benatia would appear to be the natural backline pairing in Chiellini's absence, but recent defensive frailties could prompt a rethink by manager Massimiliano Allegri.
It would be a tough assignment for whoever's selected for the Old Lady. Despite pre-season forecasts of a Barcelona slump following Neymar's departure and, somewhat cruelly, Paulinho's arrival, Ernesto Valverde's side sits top of La Liga with a four-point cushion and bashed Juventus 3-0 at the Camp Nou in September.
Juventus welcomes the Blaugrana to Turin after losing 3-2 at Sampdoria on Sunday.