The goalkeeper has been out of action for almost three months with a groin problem, but is expected to play in a January 6 friendly against Bayern Munich.

“I’m planning to play one half of that match in Messina, then I’ll certainly be ready for the Coppa Italia, we’ll see about the Serie A game with Siena on January 11.

“Alex Manninger did very well when replacing me at a difficult time for the team and made few mistakes. I hope to play at the top of my game for a long time, I don’t know up until when. As long as I don’t embarrass myself, as long as I feel like Buffon, I’ll keep going.”

The World Cup winner is widely considered to be the best goalkeeper in football and he’ll face a contender for that position in the Champions League when Petr Cech’s Chelsea come to Turin.

“It’s a shame I missed out on two really important games against Real Madrid and Inter, but with my return I hope to help Juve get a few extra points so we can win something.

“I said back in July that in a one-off match, Juventus can beat anybody and win the Champions League. I’ve never won this trophy and I’m convinced we can do it.”

Despite the injury crisis, the Bianconeri are second in Serie A and only six points adrift of the Inter powerhouse.

“Juve have proved they are more of a team than Inter, because they overcame this difficult period despite missing many key players,” insisted Buffon.

“That was a huge signal for all of us. The Nerazzurri, however, are unaccustomed to playing without [Zlatan] Ibrahimovic, so when he’s out they struggle a lot more.

“They are not only Ibra, though, and deserve praise for staying at the top for two to three years. Inter have a superior overall squad to the rest, but Juve are having a great campaign.

“When it comes to the Scudetto, we could play a nasty trick on Inter should they slip up. The best individuals don’t always win, otherwise Brazil would’ve had 30 World Cups by now.”