Juventus defender Jorge Andrade has suffered a major setback in his return from a longstanding knee problem after fracturing his kneecap for the second time in a year.

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The Portugal international resumed training at the beginning of the month after two operations on his left knee last season.

"The incident occurred on July 10 while he was training on his own in Pinzolo, to the same knee bone operated on twice last season," read a statement on Juve's official website.

"A new surgery will be necessary to synthesise the bone tissue; likely to be carried out on Monday July 14 by Doctor Martins and his team in Lisbon.

"The player is expected to stay out of action for a few months."

The 30-year-old suffered the initial fracture in only his fourth match for Juve, the 2-2 draw at Roma last September (pictured).

After considering retirement following the first procedure, the likelihood of that prospect has increased after this latest setback.

Reports in Italy state Andrade's season is definitely over and also suggest it could spell the end of the 30-year-old's career.