Cristiano Ronaldo has tested positive for COVID-19, Portugal have confirmed. The 35-year-old will now begin to self isolate and recover after leaving the Portugal squad.
The news comes as a blow to Portugal who face Sweden in the UEFA Nations League tomorrow night. Currently, top of their group, a Cristiano Ronaldo-less Portugal side will be hoping to maintain their form, and top spot, in the group with victory over Sweden.
Ronaldo Tests Positive for COVID-19
Blow for Juventus
The news not only damages Portugal’s winning chances but Juventus’, too. The Serie A champions are set to face Crotone in the Serie A without their main man in Ronaldo. So early on in the season and his managerial career, too, Juventus manager Andrea Pirlo will be keen to ensure any unnecessary slip-ups.
With Ronaldo going into an isolation period, he’ll also miss Juventus’ opening game of the Champions League away against Dynamo Kyiv. Though without their star man, Juventus should have enough to see themselves to two comfortable victories with the likes of Paul Dybala left to feel the void.
So far this season, with Ronaldo at centre stage, the Serie A giants have maintained their unbeaten status, beating Sampdoria on the opening day before struggling to a 2-2 draw against AS Roma.
Growing Cases
Following the Premier League’s announcement of five positive cases in the latest round of testing, alongside the Ronaldo news, those in charge of making the decisions around European football have been left with plenty to think about.
With the cases seemingly growing in the footballing world, too, a decision may have to be made soon for the safety of the players and staff. For now, however, the show will go on with the Champions League set to commence next week with the group stages.
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