James Abankwah
UDI
DNP in Lecce contest
Abankwah (thigh) wasn't deployed in Sunday's 3-0 loss to Lecce.
Analysis: Abankwah didn't miss time despite an ailment but didn't get the start and wasn't inserted later, as Udinese made aggressive subs to try to come back. David Alaba, Enzo Ebosse and Matteo Palma got minutes over him in this one, but they didn't fare well. He'll likely be back in the XI once he's 100 percent.
Available versus Lecce
Abankwah "felt a pinch last week, but it was a nerve-related problem rather than a muscular one, and he'll be an option for Sunday," coach Kosta Runjaic relayed.
Analysis: Abankwah won't miss time after leaving early last week, but it remains to be seen whether he'll be able to continue starting over Nicolo Bertola, Matteo Palma and Christian Kabasele. He has tallied four tackles (three won), four interceptions and 15 clearances in the last five matches, with no clean sheets.
Picks up injury Monday
Abankwah was subbed off from Monday's game against Lecce due to an undisclosed injury, Gianluca Di Marzio reports.
Analysis: Abankwah was forced to leave the game in the 60th minute, and further tests will be needed to determine the extent of the injury. For now, he should be considered questionable to face Lecce on Sunday. Nicolo Bertola took his place in the defensive line Monday and could be in line for a spot start Sunday if Abankwah isn't ready to play.
Scores first Serie A goal
Abankwah scored one goal to go with one shot (one on goal) in Monday's 5-3 defeat to Inter Milan.
Analysis: Abankwah opened the scoring at the San Siro with a header, his first goal for Udinese and his first in Serie A, and he coupled that with two blocks and four clearances in a game Inter ended up winning with five goals. The defender has been a fixture in the Udinese back line and has now contributed five tackles, six blocks and 16 clearances across his four starts.
Wins two tackles in Como contest
Abankwah registered two tackles (two won), two blocks and three clearances in Saturday's 1-1 draw versus Como.
Analysis: Abankwah opened the campaign ahead of Nicolo Bertola and Branimir Mlacic after playing a lot while on loan at Watford last season and held up nicely for the most part, even though his side couldn't completely contain a high-powered offense. He'll have to keep it up to retain the starting job, and Udinese might add further defenders down the stretch.
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