Ronaldo returns to Juventus squad but Higuain and Pjanic miss out

Juventus has announced its 22-man squad to face Genoa and there is no place for injured duo Gonzalo Higuain and Miralem Pjanic.

Juventus forward Cristiano Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo has returned to Juventus' squad for its Serie A clash with Genoa, but Gonzalo Higuain and Miralem Pjanic miss out through injury.

Portugal superstar Ronaldo was rested for Juve's trip to Lecce on Saturday, a decision that backfired as the Italian champion was held to a 1-1 draw.

Head coach Maurizio Sarri defended his decision to overlook Ronaldo for selection but has recalled the 34-year-old for Wednesday's home match against Genoa.

However, there is no place in the 22-man squad for Higuain, who came off worse in an aerial collision with Lecce goalkeeper Gabriel late in the match.

 

Pjanic has featured in every competitive game for Juve this campaign, meanwhile, but will miss out against Genoa after pulling up last time out, though the club has confirmed he did not suffer any muscular damage.

Aaron Ramsey is back after missing Juve's last three squads with a muscle injury, while Douglas Costa is also in contention following a seven-week absence.

Sarri's side trails Serie A leader Inter by two points ahead of Wednesday's game in hand at Allianz Stadium.