Udinese: Zaniolo has recovered, but will he start against AC Milan?

Finally, Udinese have Nicolò Zaniolo back on the pitch. A muscle problem kept the Italian playmaker out during the last international break and ruled him out of Italy's last Nations League matches under Roberto Mancini.

In recent days, he has returned to training on the pitch and will be available to Kosta Runjaic for an already crucial match against AC Milan, as Juventus look to revive their fortunes at a delicate point in the league table.

Trains on the pitch

Zaniolo has completed his recovery and trained on the pitch with his team-mates after just over 20 days out, having already missed a month at the start of the season.

Officially fit again ahead of schedule, he has made himself available to his team-mates and the manager for the match against AC Milan.

A starter?

How long can Zaniolo play? On Sunday 25 October, Udinese host AC Milan at the Bluenergy Stadium in Udine at 8.45pm, looking to end a dreadful run of five consecutive defeats that has dragged the Friulian side into the relegation battle.

Zaniolo is unlikely to play for long, and Udinese risk losing him again if they do not manage him carefully. Starting him would give Udinese more attacking threat, but bringing him on during the match could protect him from a possible setback.