Fifa World Cup: No return date set for Italy's injured Gianluigi Buffon

Italy do not know when goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon will be able to return from a sciatic nerve problem, the world champions said on Tuesday.

Buffon, who has suffered an injury-hit two years, was substituted at halftime in Monday's 1-1 draw with Paraguay in their World Cup Group F opener in Cape Town.

"Buffon has a strong sciatic problem. It is impossible to estimate when he might return," an Italy statement said.

Buffon had suggested after the game on Monday that he might be able to return to training in two days and could be fit for Sunday's second group game against New Zealand.