Udinese's fight to finish in the top four in Serie A took a blow with the news that Italian defender Andrea Coda has been ruled out for the rest of the season with a right knee injury.
The 26-year-old centre back will undergo a reconstruction of his anterior cruciate ligament next week after sustaining the injury during last Sunday's 5-2 defeat at Fiorentina. Coda will miss the games against Lazio, Chievo and AC Milan and is expected to be sidelined for up to five months.
Coda's injury is a further blow for Udinese coach Francesco Guidolin, who will be without suspended Gokhan Inler and Maurizio Domizzi for Sunday's match against Lazio, while Alexis Sanchez is doubtful with a thigh problem.
Udinese are currently fifth in the standings, just one point behind Lazio, who are fourth and hold the last UEFA Champions League qualifying spot.