Udinese shorn of Brkić until November

Udinese Calcio will start the season without goalkeeper Željko Brkić after the Serbian international was ruled out for four months with a shoulder injury.

Brkić, who turns 27 on 9 July, pulled a tendon in his left shoulder during gym training and has undergone surgery. He will wear a sling for the next 20 days but it is likely to be November before he returns to action. The club's medical team will have a more accurate prognosis at the end of this month.

Udinese finished fifth in Serie A last season and will kick off their UEFA Europa League campaign in the third qualifying round.