Allegri expects Buffon to be 'fully recovered' within a week
Juventus have had several injury problems over the past few months, but Gianluigi Buffon is on the comeback trail.
Published : Jan 21, 2018 20:01 IST
Gianluigi Buffon will return to the Juventus squad next week, head coach Massimiliano Allegri has confirmed.
The veteran goalkeeper has not played since Juve defeated Napoli 1-0 on December 1 due to a calf injury, with Wojciech Szczesny deputising in his absence.
Juventus, who trail leaders Napoli by four points in Serie A, return to action after Italy's mid-season break against Genoa on Monday.
That game appears too early for Buffon, but the 39-year-old will soon be back between the posts.
"Next week Buffon will be available, fortunately Szczesny did very well in his absence," Allegri told a media conference. "It's important for us to have him back in the squad. This month-and-a-half of forced rest could serve him well for the end of the season."
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Allegri added that Juve will continue to monitor Paulo Dybala (thigh), while Juan Cuadrado (groin) and Benedikt Howedes (thigh) remain absent.
"His [Dybala's] condition will be evaluated day by day," he said.
"Howedes is recovering but he needs time, Cuadrado is not available, [Mattia] De Sciglio could start."