Buffon reportedly out of World CupItalian goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon could be ruled out of the rest of the World Cup with a back injury, according to reports.
Buffon was forced off the field at half-time during Italy's 1-1 draw with Paraguay with what was later diagnosed as a sciatic nerve problem.
Italian football federation vice-president Demetrio Albertini said: "We are confident that our goalkeeper will make a speedy recovery."
However, it appears doctors are struggling to diagnose the problem and Italy's chief medic Enrico Castellacci said the problem is "serious", adding: "At the moment, it's impossible to estimate when he might return."
Reports had suggested Buffon may be out for ten days, but it now appears his tournament may be over.
Italy may give Buffon a cortisone injection, but he will require surgery on the disc that is pressing on the nerve.On Wednesday, Buffon said: "I am very worried about my World Cup."
Palermo goalkeeper Salvatore Sirigu is in line to replace Buffon if Italy decide not to risk the Juventus 'keeper. Gazzetta dello Sport suggests the problem may be chronic and that Juve are concerned that their prize asset's value may have plummeted.
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