Cristiano Ronaldo looks set to miss Juventus’ Champions League clash against Barcelona – meaning a reunion with old foe Lionel Messi is off the cards.
It comes after the 35-year-old tested positive for coronavirus on Tuesday.
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.”
Though Ronaldo has not exhibited any symptoms, it will still mean he will have to self-isolate for two weeks.
(Image: Getty Images)
And that will see the forward miss some big games for Juventus, the first being this weekend.
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.
And then Juve face Dynamo Kyiv in their Champions League opener on October 20.
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.
(Image: AFP/Getty Images)
And it is also a chance to see Ronaldo face his old rival Messi for the first time since the Portuguese left Real Madrid.
But the ex-Manchester United 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 all-clear.
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And it will be a race against time to include him in any line-up, regardless of the result of any further Covid-19 testing.
Ronaldo has started the season in fine form after scoring three in two matches in Serie A.
But he was prevented from adding to his tally earlier this month after Juventus’ clash against Napoli was postponed.
