UFFICIALE: Thiago Motta si rammarica per l’infortunio alla Juventus in vista dello scontro di Champions League con il PSV

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

Juve has had to contend with injuries to several key players this season, with its latest setback seeing defender Pierre Kalulu sidelined.

Chelsea loanee Renato Veiga likely to fill the void for the 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,” he said. “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 has made during the January transfer window, along with Alberto Costa and Randal Kolo Muani, who scored on his debut in the defeat to Napoli.

It remains to be seen whether there will be more additions 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.”