Udinese are facing a defensive crisis after Brazilian stopper Dias Felipe picked up a serious injury in training.
The Zebrette’s season hangs in the balance and they need to finish strongly to ensure they pick up a UEFA Cup berth for next term as Sampdoria breathe down their necks.
Felipe’s injury has come at an inopportune moment and was the result of landing awkwardly during a five-a-side game in training.
The Guarantinguetá native damaged a ligament in his left ankle and will now be out for at least five games and possibly for the remainder of the campaign.
The loss of Felipe is a big blow as the 23-year-old has been a rock at the back, playing nearly 100 games since signing with the Friulani in 2002.
It will also give Coach Pasquale Marino a headache because other key defenders Cristian Zapata and Andrea Coda are also sidelined for the visit of Fiorentina this weekend.
