Maduka Okoye returns to Udinese training after shoulder injury

Maduka Okoye has resumed full training with Udinese after recovering from a shoulder injury sustained during the Serie A club’s pre-season camp in Austria.

The Nigeria international had been following a rehabilitation programme under the supervision of Udinese’s medical team since suffering the setback. He has now rejoined his team-mates as preparations for the new season continue.

The 26-year-old has not played in any of Udinese’s pre-season friendlies because of the injury. He is also expected to miss the club’s forthcoming matches against Barcelona and Nottingham Forest, with Udinese taking a cautious approach to his return.

Udinese are unwilling to rush Okoye back into action and want to ensure the goalkeeper has enough time to recover fully before he resumes competitive play. The club’s priority is to help him regain full match fitness and reduce the risk of the shoulder problem recurring.

Okoye is nevertheless expected to be available for Udinese’s opening competitive fixture of the season, against Padova in the first round of the Coppa Italia on Saturday, 15 August.

His return to full training represents the latest step in his recovery, although the decision to leave him out of the remaining friendlies indicates that Udinese remain determined to manage his comeback carefully. The goalkeeper’s absence has so far prevented him from featuring during the club’s pre-season programme.

Okoye joined his colleagues again after completing the rehabilitation work arranged by Udinese’s medical staff. His progress will now be monitored as the club builds towards the Coppa Italia tie and the start of the new campaign.

The Nigeria goalkeeper’s recovery also ends a period of uncertainty over his immediate involvement with the squad after the injury interrupted his preparations in Austria. However, the club’s decision not to use him against Barcelona or Nottingham Forest underlines its desire to avoid placing him under unnecessary pressure before he is ready.

Udinese, known as The Zebras, are therefore expected to continue with a measured approach until Okoye reaches the required level of fitness. If his recovery continues as planned, he could return for the meeting with Padova, which is scheduled to be Udinese’s first competitive game of the season.