Italy captain and goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon is a doubt for his country's next World Cup match against Costa Rica, the team doctor said Sunday.

Buffon missed Saturday's 2-1 win over England in Manaus due to knee and ankle problems.

And Enrico Catellacci said he wasn't confident Buffon would be available in time for Friday's game in Recife.

"I can't tell you if he'll play against Costa Rica," said Catellacci from Italy's training base in Mangaratiba.

"His knee is fine but he is still suffering from his ankle," added Catellacci before saying that he was "optimistic about a quick recovery, but his (Buffon) health comes before everything."