Buffon undergoes knee surgery

Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has undergone arthroscopic surgery to repair a torn lateral meniscus in his left knee.

The Italy international, who played in yesterday’s 3-1 defeat at Bari, has been battling knee trouble since the start of the campaig but opted to postpone the operation until the end of the year.

A statement from the club read: “The surgery lasted 10 minutes and it was successful.

“Buffon will leave the clinic and return home today.”

The club did not reveal how long the 31-year-old will be sidelined for but he is expected to be out of action for at least six weeks.

Former Arsenal goalkeeper Alex Manninger will replace Buffon in goal.