Cristiano Ronaldo news: Juventus ace facing race against time, as Allegri confirms Ronaldo's injury might keep him out of the clash with Ajax

What's the story?

Juventus now face a real possibility of heading into their UEFA Champions League fixture against Ajax this month without their top-scorer Cristiano Ronaldo, as their manager Massimiliano Allegri admitted that the Portuguese's recovery in time for the clash would be difficult.

Ronaldo had returned to the international fold for the first time since the FIFA World Cup and endured a minor thigh problem in his nation's fixture against Siberia last week.

In case you didn't know...

The 34-year-old superstar has not missed a single game in the Champions League for the Old Lady, apart from their group stage fixture against Young Boys due to suspension, following a straight red card in the first match of the competition.

In his first eight months at the Italian club, the former Real Madrid star has 24 goals and 12 assists to his name in all competitions.

He has already won his first silverware in Italy with the club in the Italian Super Cup, in which his second-half goal turned out to be the decisive strike against arch-rivals AC Milan.

The heart of the matter...

After Ronaldo was forced out of the EURO 2020 qualifying match against Serbia in the 31st minute due to the injury to his right thigh, Juventus had confirmed that his progress was being closely monitored and that his date of return would be decided later on.

The player took to Instagram to allay the fears of his fans by posting a video of himself, sweating it out in the swimming pool in order to expedite his recovery.

However, speaking to the reporters at a press conference, Juve coach Allegri conceded that Ronaldo might not be able to make it in time for the crucial fixture against Ajax next week, though he was working very hard to get back in his best shape. He said:

"Cristiano is working daily, we hope to have him against Ajax although it will be difficult. We must have confidence."

It seems, though the five-time Ballon d'Or is optimistic about his return, the medical results say otherwise.

What's next?

Juventus face AC Milan in the Serie A next and are expected to win even in the absence of their talisman.

But, the same can't be guaranteed when they face Ajax next week, so let's hope the mercurial forward is back to lead the team from the front.