The Italian number one have been suffering from a groin problem while still recuperating from a long lasting back problem since September. However, he is now expected to be playing again in January.

"I think I’ll be back in the New Year. I feel better and I started training with the other goalkeepers, so it seems like my recovery is nearing completion," Buffon told Juve TV.

Back on track

Buffon also expressed his delight with Juventus' current league form, as the Old Lady are second in the table behind Inter, following a tough start to their season.

"We've been doing great recently, but the difficulty is to continue achieving these results because it is difficult to improve and easier to recline.

"We will be Inter’s antagonist if we maintain these performances; otherwise we will find it difficult because they are winning easily in nearly all the matches."

Champions League

Talking about Juventus' chances in this year's UEFA Champions League, the 30-year-old said that he'd prefer not to face any English club in the competition's knock-out stage.

"English teams have always created problems for us in the past and I would also like to avoid Barcelona. We can do well against any other team."

Claudio Ranieri's men have reached the competition's next round after topping Group H ahead of Real Madrid.