Benedikt Howedes has vowed to repay the trust shown in him by Juventus after a muscle injury in training extended his wait for a first appearance for the club.
Germany international Howedes, 30, joined Juventus from hometown club Schalke in the summer on a one-year loan deal with a view to a permanent move.
After it was confirmed that he faces another few weeks wait for his first outing, he wrote on Twitter: “I have been in Turin for three weeks and, naturally, I expected a different start.
“On Thursday I injured my muscle again, and thus I will be out of action in the forthcoming weeks.
“I am extremely disappointed. And at the same time, I will do all I can to pay back the trust the club put in me as soon as possible.”
Juventus have paid a €3.5 million fee for the one-year loan, and would need to spend a further €13.5m to sign Howedes on a permanent contract after 25 competitive appearances for the club.
Stephan Uersfeld is the Germany correspondent for ESPN FC. Follow him on Twitter @uersfeld.