'Tomorrow I could go with Mandzukic, Dybala and Ronaldo or one of them could be rested'
Sunday 7 October 2018 12:22, UK
Cristiano Ronaldo is "ready to return to action" for Juventus in Saturday’s game against Udinese, boss Massimiliano Allegri has confirmed.
Ronaldo has been accused of rape by Kathryn Mayorga, who claims the Juventus forward assaulted her in a Las Vegas hotel in June 2009. He has firmly denied the accusation.
The 33-year-old watched from the stands on Tuesday during Juventus' 3-0 victory over Young Boys in the Champions League as he served a one-match ban for being sent off against Valencia in the previous round.
Despite the allegations facing Ronaldo, Allegri says the 33-year-old is "doing well".
"I've known him for three months, but I can say that in his 15 years of his career he has shown great professionalism and seriousness both on and off the field," Allegri said Friday. "In regard to tomorrow, he is ready to return to action."
US police said Monday they had re-opened an investigation into the accusations by former model Mayorga but Allegri is not worried about Ronaldo's frame of mind.
"It's a delicate moment but he has large shoulders," said Allegri. "I see him calm in training. Ronaldo's professionalism on and off the field is indisputable."
Sponsors Nike and video game maker EA Sports have expressed concern about the allegations facing Ronaldo but Juventus sent a statement of support on Thursday and called him a "great champion".
Allegri was also quick to defend his star player.
"He is dedicated and he is just as dedicated to social issues, which says it all," Allegri said.
"I've known Cristiano for three months now and for over 15 years of his career he has shown to be a great professional both on and off the pitch."
Paulo Dybala - who scored a hat-trick - and Mario Mandzukic were paired together up front against Young Boys in Ronaldo's absence, with Federico Bernarderschi deployed behind them.
Allegri says he is still considering his team selection for this weekend.
"Tomorrow I could go with a front three of Mandzukic, Dybala and Ronaldo, or one of them could be rested," Allegri explained.
Earlier this week, Ronaldo was left out of the Portugal squad for upcoming matches against Poland and Scotland.
He also missed Portugal's first two post-World Cup matches last month, with coach Fernando Santos saying Ronaldo had only just moved to the Italian club and needed time to settle in.
"I knew he wouldn't be called up by Portugal," Allegri said. "He reached an agreement with the coach and president of his federation."
