Manchester United forward Cristiano Ronaldo is highly likely to return to Premier League action against Arsenal on Saturday, after he missed the Red Devils’ game against Liverpool mid-week due to the death of his son.
After tragedy struck Ronaldo and his family, the talismanic striker on Friday posted a photo of himself with his newborn daughter, the twin who survived, hinting at a return to normalcy for his grief-stricken family.
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“Home sweet home. Gio and our baby girl are finally together with us. We want to thank everyone for all the kind words and gestures. Your support is very important and we all felt the love and respect that you have for our family. Now it’s time to be grateful for the life that we’ve just welcomed into this world,” Ronaldo wrote on the post.
Reportedly, Ronaldo was given compassionate leave for the week but returned to training at the Carrington training ground on Wednesday.
With United’s hopes of a top four finish resting on a positive result against an upbeat Arsenal, interim manager Ralf Rangnick confirmed that Ronaldo would be available for selection on Saturday.
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The Portuguese maestro’s return to action will come as a relief for United and the club’s fans, who sorely missed the 37-year-old’s lethality in front of goal against Liverpool.
Manchester United fans will also be pleased with the return of the injured Rafael Varane and Scott McTominay, especially in light of star defender Harry Maguire’s nightmarish performances of late.
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With United shaky and the lacking confidence, Arsenal will be looking to go for the jugular on Saturday as they look to leapfrog Tottenham Hotspur into the top four of the Premier League table.
An Arsenal win would take them fourth, within two points of third-placed Chelsea, who have a game in hand.
A United win, on the other hand, will see the Red Devils draw level with Arsenal on points, although they will still remain 6th owing to their inferior goal difference in comparison to the Gunners.