Cristiano Ronaldo looks set to miss Juventus’ Champions League clash against Barcelona after having tested positive for coronavirus while on international duty with Portugal – meaning a reunion with his old nemesis Lionel Messi is most likely off the cards.
The Portuguese Football Federation confirmed the news, saying:
“Cristiano Ronaldo was released from training with the national team after a positive test for Covid-19, so he will not face Sweden.
“The Portugal international is doing well, without symptoms, and in isolation.
“Following the positive test, the remaining players underwent new tests on Tuesday morning, and all produced a negative result and are available to Fernando Santos for training this afternoon.”
Despite not exhibiting any symptoms, Ronaldo will have to self-isolate for two weeks which will see the forward miss some big games for Juventus, with the first being this weekend as the Old Lady take on Crotone in Serie A as they look to bounce back from a 2-2 draw against Roma before the international break.
Juve then face Dynamo Kyiv in their Champions League opener on October 20, after which on October 28, exactly two weeks and a day after Ronaldo’s positive test, the Serie A champions face Barcelona in Turin.
It will be a mighty test for both sides, who have ambitions of winning the competition, besides being also an opportunity to see Ronaldo face his greatest rival Messi for the first time since the Portuguese left Real Madrid for Juventus.
For this to happen, the Juve star must be completely free of the coronavirus for at least a week before being allowed to play.
It remains to be seen whether or not Ronaldo will be given the full clearance.
Credit: Football Tribe Malaysia
