Selection Headache for Tudor as Lazio Goalkeeper Returns to Group Training

Lazio goalkeeper Ivan Provedel has finally made his return to group training, leaving Igor Tudor with a welcomed selection dilemma ahead of Saturday’s encounter against Monza.

The 30-year-old has been the Biancocelesti’s first choice between the sticks since making the switch from Spezia in the summer of 2022. He has also cemented himself as a regular feature in the Italian national team, albeit as a backup for Gianluigi Donnarumma. However, Provedel has been out of action for the last 45 days due to an ankle injury.

But luckily for Lazio, Christos Mandas stepped up to the plate, proving to be a reliable backup. The young Greek produced solid displays between the posts, hence earning the appreciation of Tudor in his early days at Formello.

However, Il Corriere dello Sport (via LazioNews24) reveals that Provedel has returned to group training on Tuesday. The Italian should thus earn a call-up for the weekend trip to Monza, leaving Tudor with a selection headache. The Croatian tactician will have to decide whether to stick with Mandas or thrust Provedel back to the starting lineup from the get-go.

The Roman newspaper believes the manager may decide to keep the Greek goalkeeper for the encounter against Monza, before handing the starting gloves back to the Italy international when Lazio host Empoli in the following weekend.

Proveled has made 38 appearances across all competitions this season. He conceded 44 goals in the process while registering 13 clean sheets. The goalkeeper also has a goal to his name, having famously scored the last-second equalizer against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League group stage.