/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47475326/GettyImages-486213804.0.jpg)
By the sheer look of it, Gianluigi Buffon starting in goal for Juventus in a Champions League match isn't a big deal at all. It's what is to be expected. He's Buffon, dammit, and there's no reason for him not to play in an important game unless there are some unforeseen circumstances that are out of our control.
But when we saw Buffon limping around for the vast majority of Sunday's scoreless draw, and hearing the legendary goalkeeper speak about his status made it seem somewhat unsure if he would actually be available for Juventus' Champions League fixture against Borussia Monchengladbach just a few days later.
Juve manager Max Allegri quelled those fears about a Buffon-less lineup, confirming at his pre-match press conference on Tuesday that the club's captain and starting goalkeeper will indeed take part in the German's visit to Turin the next night.
.@OfficialAllegri: "@andreabarzagli2, @bonucci_leo19 and @chiellini will all play tomorrow, as will @gianluigibuffon." #JuveBMG #UCL
— JuventusFC (@juventusfcen) October 20, 2015
This is a thing because of what happened against Inter Milan at the San Siro. Buffon was clearly in pain after suffering an unknown calf injury early in the first half. Judging by the save he made just a few minutes after the injury happened to keep the game scoreless, even a somewhat injured Buffon is better than a lot of other keepers.
But this is the information we were provided regarding Buffon's injury by the Juventus press office after the Derby d'Italia:
After suffering a knock in the first half which forced him to play through the pain barrier, Buffon says he is unsure if he will be fit for Wednesday night's Champions League clash with Borussia Monchengladbach at Juventus Stadium.
But the custodian is perfectly calm about the situation, stating that the Bianconeri's goal will remain in safe hands in the event of summer signing Neto getting the nod.
"It's a heavy bruise and I played with a limp for 65 minutes, but that's a good sign. If I make the Champions League game, great, if not we have an excellent second goalkeeper in Neto."
I guess we can now file this under the "great" category, then. Sorry, Neto, but I guess your first Champions League start in a Juventus jersey will have to wait. When Buffon's healthy, Buffon plays. It's a pretty easy thing to figure out.