World Cup 2010: Italy fear Gianluigi Buffon's tournament could be over
Posted Thursday, June 17, 2010 by theguardian.com
• Goalkeeper has small herniated disc and sciatic problem
• Buffon substituted at half-time of Paraguay game
Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has suffered a small herniated disc as well as a sciatic problem, but it is impossible to estimate a recovery time, team doctor Enrico Castellacci has said.
Amid growing fears that his tournament is over, Buffon missed training for a second day to undergo tests in hospital.
The 32-year-old, who has endured an injury-hit two years, suffered the problem before Monday's 1-1 Group F draw with Paraguay and was substituted at half time.
Inexperienced Cagliari keeper Federico Marchetti, who replaced Buffon on Monday, is now preparing to start Sunday's second group game against New Zealand in Nelspruit.
Midfielder Andrea Pirlo, who missed the opener with a calf problem and is set to sit out of the New Zealand game as well, went to hospital with Buffon for his own check-up.
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