Juventus midfielders Claudio Marchisio, Stefano Sturaro return to training

With all the injury news we've had to see posted on Juventus' website this season, you have to appreciate when the following two paragraphs show up in front of our eyes:

Claudio Marchisio and Stefano Sturaro today returned to the group and took part in a training ground friendly win over Aygreville, an outfit who ply their trade in the Eccellenza division.

Under the watchful eyes of Massimiliano Allegri and his coaching staff, the Bianconeri ran out 3-0 winners in the 60-minute match, with youngsters Nicolò Pozzebon, Andrea Favilli and Mattia Vitale all getting on the scoresheet inside 40 minutes.

That is what Juventus' website told us on Thursday afternoon. And, man, am I happy to see it. Very, very happy.

The collective line of thinking amongst many of us over the past two weeks has been, "Now that Sami Khedira is back, just wait until Claudio Marchisio comes back as well to complete the midfield." And yeah, it's going to be happening soon just as long as Paul Pogba's ankle allows him to take the field next weekend at the San Siro.

But, no offense to Sturaro on this one because he's a good player in his own right, Marchisio being back training — and likely a participant in Sunday's Derby d'Italia against Inter — is the main thing we're all focusing on here. We've seen him for all of 45 minutes and cursed his injury problems this season for much longer than that. Exponential amounts, probably.

And this time, we hope we're not forced to deal with another injury news all of two days after he returned from the last one, too. That would be a grand old time. Marchisio coming back will only aid Juventus in their bid to quickly rise up the Serie A table and continue to roll in the Champions League. It only makes sense that would happen when you get back one of your best players. We can all agree that Marchisio is certainly that — both because he's good at what he does and being one of this new Juve's unquestioned leaders.

So, welcome back, Claudio and Stefano. Please stay healthy for as long as possible.