Cristiano Ronaldo Injury: Will Juventus superstar play against Atalanta?

Juventus fans have been wondering if Paulo Dybala will be healthy enough to start for the first time this season on Sunday against Atalanta. Well, we have our answer. Because he will have to start with Cristiano Ronaldo now injured.

According to manager Andrea Pirlo, via the official Juventus Twitter, Ronaldo will be out against Atalanta, as Juve do not want to take any risks with their superstar player. Pirlo said that the No. 7 is suffering from a hip flexor injury, which occurred following last weekend’s 3-1 win over Genoa.

So Dybala is going to start for the Bianconeri this Sunday against Atalanta, working alongside Alvaro Morata. The questions about Ronaldo and Dybala co-existing together will have to wait for another week, as the decision has been made for Pirlo. Ronaldo is out.

The news comes as a surprise to many Juventini, who did not know Ronaldo was injured and did not expect him to miss this match. It is rare for Ronaldo to be out, and, usually, Juve do not fare well when he does. They drew Benevento and were blown out by Barcelona without him this season.

Paulo Dybala, Alvaro Morata must shine for Juventus against Atalanta with Cristiano Ronaldo out injured

Matchday 31 will thus be a big one for Dybala and Morata. The former scored a great, crucial goal off the bench upon his return against Napoli, which was another key matchup in the race for a Champions League spot. Meanwhile, Morata broke his duck last weekend, scoring in a 3-1 defeat of Genoa.

Hopefully, Ronaldo will be rested and fully recovered for Matchday 23 when Juventus take on Parma on Wednesday night. In their last head-to-head meeting, the Bianconeri defeated Parma 4-0, with Ronaldo scoring a brace. He’d love to score some more goals against one of Serie A’s worst sides.

But for now, let’s see how Dybala does in his first start since January. Juventini have high expectations for Serie A’s reigning MVP.