Jesper Karlström
UDIDefensive force in Cagliari tilt
Karlstrom (thigh) had one tackle (one won), three blocks and seven clearances and drew two fouls in Saturday's 2-0 win over Cagliari.
Analysis: Karlstrom returned to his usual workload following an ailment and a suspension and was instrumental in stifling the adversaries with his physical presence in the midfield. He has tallied at least one tackle in his last six displays, accumulating eight (six won) and posting eight interceptions, three chances created and six blocks over that span. Additionally, this marked his ninth consecutive outing with one or more clearances (26 total). Instead, he interrupted a three-game string with one shot.
Set to be back versus Cagliari
Karlstrom (undisclosed) has recuperated and is in the running to start Saturday, Sky Italy reported.
Analysis: Karlstrom sat out the previous game due to muscle fatigue, but had a good week of training and could recapture his usual starting job. Jakub Piotrowski, Lennon Miller and Oier Zarraga are the other options with Jurgen Ekkelenkamp (lower leg) on the shelf. Kalstrom has logged at least one tackle in his last five outings (all starts), totaling seven (five won) and recording four shots (zero on target), eight interceptions and three key passes over that span. Additionally, he has tallied one or more clearances in his last five performances, totaling 19.
Ruled out Saturday
Karlstrom (undisclosed) is ruled out for Saturday's clash against Torino.
Analysis: Karlstrom has been unable to overcome the minor injury he sustained in training, with coach Kosta Runjaic's suggestion that he might be unfit proving accurate ahead of the Torino fixture. The midfielder had been set to return from suspension before the fitness concern emerged, and his absence compounds an already difficult situation in the Udinese midfield. Oier Zarraga and Lennon Miller expected to see more playing time until the injured players return.
Questionable for Torino match
Karlstrom "is dealing with an ailment and might be unfit for Saturday," coach Kosta Runjaic announced.
Analysis: Karlstrom was set to return from suspension but sustained an undisclosed minor injury in training and might not be an option. Jakub Piotrowski (undisclosed) and Jurgen Ekkelenkamp (ankle) are also iffy in the same role, which could lead to substantial minutes for Lennon Miller and Oier Zarraga.
Completes disqualification
Karlstrom served a one-game ban in Sunday's 3-3 with Lazio.
Analysis: Karlstrom will return versus Torino on Saturday and get the call over either Idrissa Gueye or Jakub Piotrowski, depending on how aggressive the coach decides to be. He has logged at least one clearance in eight straight displays, amassing 19 and posting eight tackles (six won), four chances created and 13 interceptions over that span.
Suspended for Lazio game
Karlstrom had two crosses (one accurate), one key pass and one shot (zero on target) and picked up his fifth yellow card in Saturday's 1-0 loss to Parma.
Analysis: Karlstrom had a run-of-the-mill display on both ends, extending his streak of appearances with at least one tackle and one interception but failing to record an interception for the first time in 10 fixtures. He'll miss his first game of the season Monday. Lennon Miller or Oier Zarraga will replace him in the midfield.
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