Cristiano Ronaldo subject of Juventus concern ahead of Portugal Lithuania clash

Cristiano Ronaldo’s knee injury is causing concern for Juventus ahead of Portugal’s Euro 2020 qualifier with Lithuania, according to reports.

The 34-year-old was hooked in the Old Lady’s 1-0 win over AC Milan last weekend, with conflicting reports emerging in the time since.

Juventus have insisted Ronaldo was substituted because of an injury but it’s been claimed the forward IS fit and in line to play for Portugal against Lithuania this evening.

And Goal say the Serie A titans are concerned about Ronaldo ahead of today’s showdown.

It’s claimed they’re worried about his fitness.

But, despite that, he’s still expected to play for Portugal against their Euro 2020 qualifier opponents tonight.

Ronaldo was furious at being substituted at the weekend, reportedly calling Maurizio Sarri a ‘son of a w****’.

It’s also been suggested that the 34-year-old said ‘what the f***’ when his number was up.

Former Juventus boss Fabio Capello has slammed Ronaldo, however, insisting that the Portugal international must up his game.

The former Manchester United and Real Madrid star hasn’t been his usual sparkling self this season, managing just five Serie A goals from 10 matches.

For a player who used to find the net every game, that has sparked fears he’s on the wane.

And Capello said: “I didn’t like this, it wasn’t nice. He must be a champion even when he comes off the pitch.

“The truth is that Cristiano Ronaldo hasn’t dribbled [past] an opponent for three years.

“I did the La Liga commentary when he usually took the double step and left you there.

“Inside him is a super-champion, the best of all, but now there is Dybala and Douglas Costa, who made two sensational goals. Dybala in excellent condition can make the difference, as can Douglas Costa.

“They win games without Ronaldo. Juve seemed dependent on him, instead the great squad and the quality of the players helps them win anyway.

“Bravo Sarri, who had the courage to take him off, it takes personality, especially thinking that all the players in the squad can play and make a difference.

“Cristiano did it for a while, but now it’s not him and he must recover  – especially on a physical level.

“He does not have the speed and dynamism he has shown at other times.”

source: express.co.uk