Motta feels Juventus have not had the chance to enjoy continuity due to injuries Motta feels Juventus have not had the chance to enjoy continuity due to injuries

Thiago Motta feels injuries have prevented Juventus from enjoying any "continuity"lucky sprite, but is not using it as an excuse after back-to-back defeats. (More Sports News)

The Bianconeri suffered their first Serie A defeat of the season against leaders Napoli last weekend, while they were also beaten in the Champions League by Benfica on Wednesday.

Juve have had to contend with injuries to several key players this season, with their latest setback seeing defender Pierre Kalulu sidelined with a muscular issue.

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Ammad Butt is leading the Pakistan hockey team with goalkeeper Ishtiag Abdullah Khan. Jungjun Lee is leading the Korean side and Taeseok Min is the coach. Jaehan Kim is their goalkeeper.

Six teams, namely India, Malaysia, Republic of Korea, Pakistan, Japan and China are participating in the Asian Champions Trophy 2024 and the hosts are the lowest-ranked (23) team in the tournament. India's next opponent, Japan are ranked 15 in the world.

Chelsea loanee Renato Veiga likely to fill the void for this weekend's visit of Empoli, and Motta wants his players to get back to winning ways in the face of adversity.

"It's a shame we can't have Kalulu with us,okjl" he told reporters during his pre-match press conference. "There are others who will surely come in and do well, and they will be a great help.

"Kalulu and Federico Gatti did well [in central defence]. Now, we have Renato Veiga who will help us. We haven't had an easy time, so many injuries haven't helped us. This is also why we didn't win. Teams need continuity to reach a great level.

"[The injuries are] not an excuse, it's the reality, a fact. But we will never look for excuses. Even other teams that won and then had injuries have struggled to maintain a certain level. We're angry about a few defeats. Now, let's work hard to win."

Veiga is one of three signings Juventus have made during the January transfer window, along with Alberto Costa and Randal Kolo Muani.

It remains to be seen whether there will be more additions at the Allianz Stadium before the window closes, but Motta says he is yet to discuss any further business with the club.

"I have never spoken about it and I will not do so today, except to say that I am in line with the club," he added. "I am very happy with the team I have and with the boys."

A memorable @Trezegoldavid hat-trick in 2007's #JuveEmpolipic.twitter.com/0gp31GfWrZlucky sprite

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