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Juventus Coach Maurizio Sarri has a selection headache ahead of his team’s Champions League Last 16 match against Lyon at the Parc Olympique Lyonnais tonight, MySportDab reports.
Maurizio Sarri is has a number of big decisions ahead of Juventus’ game with Lyon tonight.
The Italian manager’s option has been boosted this week with the return to fitness of several first-team players.
Gonzalo Higuain and Miralem Pjanic have both been included in the travelling squad despite missing the victory over SPAL at the weekend.
Meanwhile, Giorgio Chiellini made his first start since rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament last August in the 1-0 win – and Sarri has refused to rule the veteran out of also starting against Lyon.
Speaking about Chiellini after the game on Saturday, Sarri said: “He had 60 minutes today, 20 minutes in the last game and during his presence on the field, we defended very well.
“He can’t play every three days, that’s clear, but over the last 10 days, he has improved and returned to fitness much quicker than expected.
“If he continues to improve, he could play one of the big matches coming up.”
Team News
Sarri’s comments suggest Leonardo Bonucci could return into central defence for Chiellini, while Matthijs de Ligt will replace Daniele Rugani.
Juan Cuadrado has play mostly at right-back for much of the season but Sarri has been starting the Colombian more forward and should do so again here.
Therefore, Danilo will hope to retain place after impressing over the weekend but Mattia De Sciglio is also available for Sarri.
Alex Sandro will almost surely play at left-back while Rodrigo Bentancur will feature in midfield if Pjanic is not risked here.
Aaron Ramsey and Blaise Matuidi could continue alongside the Uruguay star but Adrien Rabiot is also in contention and likely to start.
MySportDab understands Cristiano Ronaldo will also make the starting XI, having scored his 13th goal in nine games last time out.
The superstar forward has 36 goals across all competitions and is showing no signs of slowing down, despite his age.
Juventus Predicted Line-up vs Lyon – Champions League(4-3-3): Szczesny, De Ligt, Danilo, Bonucci, Bentancur, Sandro, Ramsey, Cuadrado, Ronaldo, Rabiot, Dybala.
Kick-off:- 9pm
