Lazio Face Full-Back Emergency as Arsenal Loanee Suffers Muscle Problem | OneFootball

Lazio have been dealt a painful blow ahead of Monday’s Serie A contest against Udinese, as Nuno Tavares has been reportedly ruled out.

Significant Clash

The Biancocelesti have a golden opportunity to retain the fourth place in the standings following Juve’s heavy defeat at the hands of Atalanta on Sunday. Nevertheless, Marco Baroni’s men have a stern test ahead, as they’ll be facing an in-form team that has already beaten them in the reverse fixture.

Nuno Tavares Picks up Muscle Problem

But while Tavares was considered a lock for the left-back role, Il Messaggero (via La Lazio Siamo Noi) claims the Portuguese suffered a muscle problem on Sunday. While he was able to finish the training session and was still tipped to start, Baroni and his staff have opted for a cautious approach after assessing his condition on Monday morning.

Therefore, the source doesn’t expect the 25-year-old to take part in the game against the Friulians. This is a particularly agonizing setback considering the player’s importance to the cause. He remains the league’s best assist providers, with eight to his name, but his recurring injury issues have been hampering his momentum.

Full-Back Woes for Lazio

The report suggests Tavares will remain on the bench for the duration of the match to avoid a bigger setback. With Elseid Hysaj also out with an injury, and Luca Pellegrini excluded from the Serie A squad, Baroni will be forced to switch Adam Marusic to the left flank, with Manuel Lazzari starting on the right.