ADVERTISEMENTREMOVE AD

Ronaldo ‘Improving’ But in Doubt for Atletico Clash: Maurizio 

Juventus are already through to the last 16 and want to finish at the top of Group D.

Published
Football
2 min read
story-hero-img
i
Aa
Aa
Small
Aa
Medium
Aa
Large
Hindi Female

Cristiano Ronaldo remains in doubt for Tuesday's Champions League clash against Atletico Madrid in Turin, Juventus coach Maurizio Sarri said on Monday, 25 November.

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’s double to stay at the top of the Italian league.

"Cristiano trained with his teammates yesterday (Sunday). It seems that his condition is improving but we still have to evaluate between today and tomorrow." said Sarri.

"The positive thing is that he was able to play throughout the training session with his teammates.” he 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.

ADVERTISEMENTREMOVE AD
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 had hit back with four goals to help Portugal qualify for Euro 2020.

"My relationship with Cristiano is good. if 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,” said Sarri.

Juventus are already through to the last 16 and want to finish at the 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 tomorrow," said Sarri.

Sarri conceded that he was spoilt for choice up front between Ronaldo, Paulo Dybala and Higuain.

0

"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.”
Maurizio Sarri, Juventus coach

Higuain, who has scored five goals this season, sat alongside Sarri in the press conference, and praised his coach.

"Obviously I spent some of the best season's of my career with Mr Sarri. I know exactly what he wants," said the 31-year-old Argentine who joined the veteran coach at Chelsea last season after an unhappy five-month loan spell at AC Milan.

"Compared to last year I had to change something in my head and he (Sarri) helped me a lot. Mentally and physically I'm in great shape and the manager has been helping me a lot,” he added.

(At The Quint, we are answerable only to our audience. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member. Because the truth is worth it.)

Read Latest News and Breaking News at The Quint, browse for more from sports and football

Topics:  Cristiano Ronaldo   Serie A   Juventus FC 

Speaking truth to power requires allies like you.
Become a Member
3 months
12 months
12 months
Check Member Benefits
Read More
×
×