Pirlo Confirms Ronaldo Ankle Injury As Juventus Draw With Lazio
Juventus manager Andrea Pirlo has confirmed Cristiano Ronaldo was substituted in the 1-1 draw with Lazio at the Stadio Olympico on Sunday because of an ankle injury picked up during the game.
Ronaldo gave Juventus the lead in the first half with his sixth Serie A goal of the season but the Italian champions could not hold onto their lead as former Manchester City forward Felipe Caicedo rescued a point for Simone Inzaghi’s men deep into second half stoppage time.
Ronaldo was substituted for Paulo Dybala in the 76th minute after getting into a collision with Luis Alberto.
While Pirlo could not indicate the severity of Ronaldo’s injury, the former midfielder confirmed the five-time Ballon d’or winner’s withdrawal was as a result of an ankle injury.
"Ronaldo is a key player not only for us but for all the teams he has played for. Unfortunately, he had an ankle problem and was forced to leave the field," Pirlo told DAZN.
Ronaldo only returned to action for the Old Lady last week when he scored twice in a 4-1 victory at Spezia after spending majority of the month of October on the sidelines due to a positive coronavirus diagnosis.
It remains to be seen whether the 35-year-old former Real Madrid and Manchester United forward will be available for Portugal during the upcoming international break.
The Selecao will play Andorra in a friendly game on Wednesday before Nations League games against France and Croatia.
