Serie A clubs face a mounting player health crisis following the international break, with several high-profile starters returning to their domestic sides carrying injuries ranging from minor contusions to long-term ligament damage. According to reports from The Gazzetta dello Sport and Sky Sport, the recent window of national team fixtures has left managers scrambling to adjust their lineups ahead of the championship’s resumption.
Nicolò Zaniolo Faces Month on Sidelines with Thigh Injury
Udinese midfielder Nicolò Zaniolo has sustained a recurrence of a second-degree strain in his right femoral biceps while on duty with the Italy national team, according to SOS Fanta. The injury affects the exact same muscle group he injured against Como on August 22. Udinese club medical staff have estimated a recovery timeline of three to four weeks, ruling him out of upcoming fixtures against Torino and Lecce. Fantasy football managers now face a decision on whether to hold the midfielder or attempt an immediate trade, though his market value has dipped following the setback.
Giacomo Raspadori Expected to Miss Venezia Clash
Medical examinations confirmed a mandatory ten-day recovery window, placing his availability for the upcoming fixture against Venezia in serious jeopardy. Atalanta’s coaching staff will subject the forward to further evaluations before clearing him for full training.
Albert Gudmundsson and Emil Holm Deal with Extended Recovery Timelines
Lazio forward Albert Gudmundsson is currently a major doubt for upcoming fixtures after suffering a shoulder and rib injury during a collision in Iceland’s match against Estonia. Meanwhile, Bologna defender Emil Holm faces an even longer spell on the sidelines. Holm sustained a severe femoral biceps injury during Sweden’s fixture against Romania, with Bologna medical staff weighing a potential surgical intervention that could threaten his availability well into the season.
Additional Squad Adjustments Across Serie A
The international break’s physical toll extends across multiple rosters:
- Juventus: Francisco Conceiçao avoided serious injury after exiting Norway’s match against Portugal with a thigh complaint.
- Milan: Alexis Saelemaekers is being evaluated on a daily basis by club staff after suffering a sprain to his right ankle during a training session. Scans have ruled out bone fractures and ligament damage.
- Naples: Midfielder Frank Anguissa remains doubtful for the next fixture after sustaining a low-grade myofascial strain in his right long adductor, identified following evaluations after the Fiorentina match.
- Cagliari: Alessandro Deiola underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left meniscus and targets a return between late October and November.