DBasia.news – Ajax Amsterdam will host Juventus in the big eight of the Champions League on Thursday (11/4) at 2:00 a.m. Western Indonesian Time. Ahead of the match, Cristiano Ronaldo is predicted to have recovered from injury.
The 34-year-old player was originally available to be played by Massimiliano Allegri when Juve host Milan, in the 31st week of Serie A last weekend, Saturday (6/4) night Western Indonesian Time.
But according to Pavel Nedved, Juve’s vice president, Ronaldo was deliberately rested so that he will be 100 percent fit against Ajax at Johan Cruyff Arena. Even Juventus was ‘holding’ Ronaldo so he doesn’t play against the Rossoneri.
“Cristiano did everything to be able to play against Ajax in the Champions League and this is the competition. We did not give him pressure, but we are optimistic,” Nedved said, as quoted from The AS.
“He always wants to play, if all depends on him, then he will play (against Milan). We have to hold him back!” continued the man from the Czech Republic.
Juve came out as winners with a score of 2-1 over Milan without having to play Ronaldo. Juve’s goals were punished by Paulo Dybala and Moise Kean, who responded to a goal from Krzysztof Piatek.
Allegri also said before the game against Milan, Ronaldo’s condition continued to improve and the club did not force him to recover quickly. The Bianconeri want Ronaldo to fully recover and be in top condition against Ajax.
“He (Ronaldo) always feels ready, but I told him to rest (against Milan). We are sure we can have it back against Ajax on Wednesday,” added Allegri.
“Ronaldo is getting better. We have a great chance to see him play against Ajax. But, let’s wait for those days.”
“There are still Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. There are still four days left and in four days the opportunity (recovering from injury) can increase,” explained Allegri.
Ronaldo suffered an injury while strengthening the Portuguese national team at the international break that took place at the end of March. At that time Portugal was playing European Cup 2020 Qualifying matches.
Ronaldo’s presence was very much needed against Ajax which knocked out defending champions Champions League three times in a row, Real Madrid. In addition, Ronaldo was also at his best after scoring a hat trick against Atletico Madrid in the last 16 Champions League.