Juve enjoy double boost

Aquilani: Given all clear

Juventus have enjoyed a double fitness boost with Alberto Aquilani's injury not as bad as first feared while Gianluigi Buffon has returned to training.

Aquilani was forced off late on during Juve's 2-0 win at Genoa on Sunday after feeling pain in his groin.

But tests have confirmed there is no significant damage to Aquilani's right adductor muscle and he will not face an extended spell on the sidelines.

The on-loan Liverpool midfielder, 26, has suffered only "muscle fatigue" and is expected to resume training on Thursday.

Meanwhile, Buffon was back in action at Juve's training centre in Vinovo on Tuesday.

Back problem

The 32-year-old goalkeeper underwent back surgery in September to solve a problem that had emerged last season.

The injury also forced Buffon off during Italy's World Cup opener in South Africa and ruled him out for the rest of a dismal campaign for the defending champions.

But he has now begun a personalised programme with the club's goalkeeping coach Claudio Filippi and is expected to be back in first-team contention in January.