The first time Jorge Andrade injured his left patella tendon with Deportivo La Coruna in the 56th minute of their La Liga match against Barcelona and Samuel Eto’o, it cost him his place in the 2006 World Cup.

After recovering from the initial set back, the Portuguese Center Back signed with Italian giants Juventus (who were coming back from their Serie B sabbatical) after being courted by Manchester United, Chelsea, Inter, Barcelona and Valencia.

Only 4 matches into Juve’s Serie A campaign against Roma, the 50 cap winner suffered a fractured kneecap and the injury would keep him out of the entire 2007/08 season.

After being cleared by Turin doctors and medical staff to start pre-season training for the 2008/09 Serie A campaign and Champions League Qualifying 3rd Round, Andrade suffered a relapse of last years injury during training Thursday.

An official statement from Juventus said: “Jorge Andrade has suffered another serious injury to his left knee. The diagnosis is one of ‘kneecap fracture relapse’ – the same knee bone operated on twice last season. A new surgery will be necessary to repair the bone tissue and it will probably be carried out on Monday in Lisbon. The player is expected to remain out of action for a few months.”

One can only hope the 30 year old Andrade (one of the most highly underrated center backs) is able to regain his health and get back on the field where he belongs.

image via Football