Maduka Okoye has returned to full training at Udinese after a spell on the sidelines with a shoulder injury. As a result, the Nigeria international has handed his club a timely fitness boost just over a week before the new Serie A season begins.
The Super Eagles goalkeeper picked up the shoulder problem during Udinese’s pre season training camp in Austria last month. Consequently, he was restricted to individual sessions and missed all five of the Zebrette’s pre season friendlies as the club carefully managed his recovery.
However, [Okoye has now completed his rehabilitation programme] under the supervision of Udinese’s medical staff and has rejoined his teammates for group training. Nevertheless, the club is not rushing him back into match action straight away.
He is not expected to feature in Udinese’s remaining pre season friendlies against Barcelona and Nottingham Forest, as the coaching staff want him to build up match sharpness gradually and avoid any fresh setback.
Speaking on the injury before Okoye’s return to full training, head coach Kosta Runjaic explained that the goalkeeper had picked up a knock but backed him to kick on regardless. “Unfortunately, he got injured,” Runjaic said via Tuttomercatoweb. He added that Udinese had seen enough from Okoye at the end of last season to remain confident in his qualities.
Therefore, all signs point to the 26 year old being ready in time for Udinese’s opening competitive fixture of the season, a Coppa Italia first round clash with Padova on Saturday, August 15. Meanwhile, his availability for the Serie A opener will continue to be assessed in the days that follow as his workload builds up.
Beyond his club commitments, Okoye’s fitness carries significant weight for the Super Eagles as well. Furthermore, his recovery comes at an important time, with Nigeria preparing for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying series against Madagascar and Guinea Bissau next month.
The goalkeeper had already given Eric Chelle plenty of reassurance over the summer, starting both international friendlies against Poland and Portugal. In those outings, he impressed despite conceding three goals across the two matches. As such, his return to full training in Udine will be welcomed just as much in the Super Eagles camp as it is at Udinese.
Udinese’s medical team will continue to monitor Okoye’s workload closely in training over the coming days. Should he come through unscathed, he is expected to be involved in the Coppa Italia tie against Padova, before attention turns to the club’s Serie A opener. In the meantime, Nigerian fans will be hoping his shoulder holds up as the season gathers pace and the AFCON qualifiers draw nearer.
