Player Talk : Gigi Buffon

Buffon Set For Sunday Return?

Claudio Ranieri has hinted that Bianconeri shot stopper Gianluigi Buffon could be back in action as early as Sunday.

The Italy number one has not featured for Juventus since suffering from pains to his lower back three weeks ago and he was left out of Roberto Donadoni’s starting XI to face Portugal on Wednesday.

However the goalkeeper seems to have recovered from his set back and he was in training on Monday morning. Juventus are away to Udinese on Sunday and it would be a huge boost for them to have Buffon back between the sticks.

“Buffon trained this morning and he could be on the pitch on Sunday,” said Ranieri.

“We can’t talk about the Champions League yet as there are still 51 points up for grabs from now until the end of the season.”

“We will know better when there are three or four games left.”

Juventus were extremely poor on the weekend and the Bianconeri drew 1-1 with rock bottom Cagliari at the Olimpico.

Ranieri knows that any further poor displays could severely destroy their hopes of playing Champions League football next season.

Italy fans will be relieved that Buffon is on his way to recovery as there were fears he could miss the Euro 2008 tournament in June.

* goal.com