As Udinese prepare to host Torino, both teams are dealing with various injury concerns and lineup adjustments. Udinese manager Kosta Runjaic may receive a boost with the potential return of key defender Jaka Bijol, who missed the previous match against Fiorentina due to muscle fatigue. Additionally, midfielder Martin Payero has resumed training after a month-long absence.
However, Udinese still face several absences. Oier Zarraga, Keinan Davis, and Lautaro Giannetti remain sidelined, along with first-choice goalkeeper Maduka Okoye. In attack, the experienced Alexis Sanchez is expected to start on the bench, paving the way for the in-form duo of Florian Thauvin and Lorenzo Lucca to lead the line. Lucca, in particular, has been impressive, contributing to 18 Serie A goals since the beginning of last season.
Torino’s offensive woes continue as they make the journey north. Long-term absentee Duvan Zapata is still out, while Che Adams and Antonio Sanabria struggle to find their scoring form. Notably, Sanabria has yet to score against Udinese in eight previous encounters.
The visitors’ injury list also includes Perr Schuurs, who, like Zapata, is recovering from a long-term ACL injury. There’s positive news regarding Sebastian Walukiewicz, who might be cleared to play despite a recent respiratory issue that forced him off against Bologna.
Torino’s defence receives a timely reinforcement with the return of Saul Coco. The Equatorial Guinea international is available again after serving a one-match suspension last weekend.
Udinese (3-5-2): Sava; Kristensen, Bijol, Toure; Ehizibue, Lovric, Karlstrom, Ekkelenkamp, Zemura; Thauvin, Lucca
Torino (3-5-2): Milinkovic-Savic; Maripan, Coco, Masina; Pedersen, Ricci, Linetty, Vlasic, Sosa; Adams, Sanabria
