Cristiano Ronaldo Tests Negative for COVID-19, Juventus Announce

Juventus announced Friday that Cristiano Ronaldo no longer needs to isolate at home after a negative diagnostic test for COVID-19. 

Juventus play Spezia in Serie A on Sunday and return to the Champions League on Wednesday against Ferencvaros.

The Portuguese football federation announced Oct. 13 the five-time Ballon d'Or winner tested positive for COVID-19 while on national team duty. He was flagged for a second positive test while isolating, which prolonged his return.

Not surprisingly, Juve's fortunes have suffered without Ronaldo leading the attack. They drew with Crotone and Hellas Verona in Serie A and suffered a 2-0 Champions League defeat to Barcelona on Wednesday.

The future of manager Andrea Pirlo is already the subject of speculation. The Daily Mail's Alvise Cagnazzo reported Juventus are still behind the legendary former midfielder but "have plans for a worst-case scenario."

Getting Ronaldo back will undoubtedly be a boost for the club since his absence laid bare how reliant the nine-time reigning league champions have become on the 35-year-old. His three goals are still tied for highest on the team across all competitions.

It's unclear whether Pirlo will immediately insert Ronaldo into the starting squad for Sunday or instead give him a more gradual transition back to game action.