Turin: Cristiano Ronaldo remains in doubt for Tuesday’s Champions League clash against Atletico Madrid in Turin, Juventus coach Maurizio Sarri said Monday.
The 34-year-old Portuguese international was rested for Saturday’s Serie A game against Atalanta which Juventus won 2-1 thanks to a Gonzalo Higuain double to stay top of the Italian league.
“Cristiano (Ronaldo) trained with his teammates yesterday (Sunday),” informed Sarri. “It seems that his condition is improving but we still have to evaluate between today and tomorrow. The positive thing he was able to play throughout the training session with his teammates,” Sarri added.
Defender Matthijs de Ligt, who suffered a dislocated shoulder, and forward Federico Bernardeschi, who bruised his chest, also need to be evaluated, Sarri said.
Ronaldo was substituted in Juventus’s previous two games including their Champions League game at Lokomotiv Moscow with a slight knee problem.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner and hit back with four goals to help Portugal qualify for Euro 2020. Hence many said that Ronaldo was displeased at being substituted.
“My relationship with Cristiano is good,” said Sarri. “Iff a player who has won so much is angry about being substituted, it means he still has a lot of motivation, and this is something positive.”
Juventus are already through to the last 16 and want to finish top of Group D with second-placed Atletico needing a win to guarantee their place.
“Atletico are a difficult side to play against, we have to think we want to qualify being the leader of the group that is our target for Tuesday,” pointed out Sarri. He also conceded he was spoilt for choice up front between Ronaldo, Paulo Dybala and Higuain.
“We have three very strong strikers for just two roles, I think it is an ideal situation, nobody will be able to play 65 matches, including with the national team,” continued the Juventus coach.
“Playing Dybala, Higuain and Cristiano all together is difficult because of their characteristics, but all three know how to play really well and are comfortable with each other,” added Sarri.
AFP