Juventus defender Benedikt Howedes says he is "endlessly disappointed" to have been ruled out again by injury, just a week after making his first appearance in Serie A.
The 29-year-old German defender made his debut for the Bianconeri in the 3-0 win over Crotone just 10 days ago, but an injury he picked up in training ruled him out of the trip to Napoli last Friday, and he is not expected to be available again until after the winter break.
"Dear fans, many thanks for your many messages!" he wrote on Instagram. "After finally being able to make my debut for Juve a week ago, I had to suffer another setback last Thursday. In training for the top-of-the-table clash with Napoli, I tore muscle fibres in my right thigh.
"I'm endlessly disappointed. I nevertheless very much appreciate having my team standing behind me and I will do all I can to get back onto the field again. I'll keep you updated! Thanks for your support! Good luck lads for the game this evening!"
Juve were without Howedes and Giorgio Chiellini for their decisive Champions League clash with Olympiakos on Tuesday evening, although Chiellini is expected to have recovered from a bout of gastroenteritis in time for Saturday's Serie A fixture with league leaders Inter Milan.
Howedes joined Juve on a season-long just before the transfer deadline in August after losing his place at Schalke under new coach Domenico Tedesco, but has appeared for just over an hour in a black and white shirt so far this season.