Udinese head coach Kosta Runjaic has confirmed that Maduka Okoye is available for the club’s Coppa Italia clash with Padova,reports Completesports.com.

Okoye sustained a shoulder injury during Udinese’s pre-season training camp in Lienz, Austria.

The Nigeria international was initially expected to miss the start of the new season as a result of the injury.

However, the goalkeeper has made a quicker-than-expected recovery and is now back in contention for selection.

Read Also:Okoye Resumes Udinese Training After Injury Layoff

Runjaic confirmed that the shot stopper could feature against Padova tonight.

“Okoye and Unai Gomez are available. Goglichidze took a knock in training, nothing serious, but we’re evaluating him for tomorrow (today). Everyone else will be available except Zanoli and Chakvetadze,” Runjaic told the club’s official website.

The 26-year-old was one of Udinese’s standout performers last season.

Okoye made 30 league appearances for the Zebras and also contributed one assist.

The former Sparta Rotterdam goalkeeper kept 10 clean sheets during the campaign.

By Adeboye Amosu