TURIN, Italy (AP) — Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon won’t return from injury until January, at least a month later than expected.
The Italy international has been out nursing a leg muscle problem since Oct. 5.
"It’s a little more serious than expected," Buffon said Monday. "I still have to recover physically, but I should be ready for 2009."
Buffon will also miss Italy’s friendly in Greece next week, likely leaving the starting job to Marco Amelia.
Alex Manninger has filled in between the posts at Juventus, which has won its last four games in Serie A and beaten Real Madrid home and away in the Champions League.
"The last few games have shown I’m not indispensable," Buffon said.
Buffon could return Jan. 11 against Siena.
Juventus forward David Trezeguet could also return in January after surgery on both of his knees.