Como welcome Udinese to the Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia on January 3, 2026, but much of the pre-match conversation has circled around one key absence: Álvaro Morata. The club has confirmed the striker is sidelined with a high-grade injury to the long adductor muscle in his left thigh, with his comeback depending on rehabilitation progress. (Official update: Como 1907 statement.)

Why Morata’s injury changes the feel of this match

Morata’s absence doesn’t just remove a familiar finisher — it also takes away a reference point in possession and a calming presence when games tighten. For a Como side built on structure and control, losing a forward who can hold play up, draw contact, and create space for runners alters the rhythm in the final third. Expect Como to lean even harder into quick combinations and wide service rather than forcing direct play into crowded central areas.

Como’s edge: home stability and defensive discipline

Como arrive with momentum after a convincing win over Lecce and have quietly developed a reputation as one of the league’s most difficult teams to break down. At home, they’ve been especially reliable — compact without the ball, patient in their build-up, and rarely dragged into chaos. Without Morata, the plan may be less about winning a shootout and more about controlling the margins: score first, stay organized, and make Udinese chase.

Udinese’s task: find goals without gifting transitions

Udinese have shown they can carry a threat, but their biggest problem this season has been what happens after possession is lost — especially away from home. If they commit numbers forward too early, Como’s counter-attacking lanes open up. If they sit off, Como’s midfield has the patience to keep probing. It’s a tricky balance, and it becomes even more delicate if Como manage to land the first punch.

Injuries to note

• Como: Álvaro Morata (thigh/adductor), Assane Diao (injured).
• Udinese: Jordan Zemura (injured), Arthur Atta (injured). (Plus Rui Modesto and Vakoun Bayo away on international duty.)

Projected lineups (subject to change)

Como (4-4-2): Jean Butez; Alberto Moreno, Ivan Smolčić, Diego Carlos, Jacobo Ramón; Mërgim Vojvoda, Massimo Perrone, Nico Paz, Lucas da Cunha; Anastasios Douvikas, Jesús Rodríguez.

Udinese (3-5-2): Daniele Padelli; Thomas Kristensen, Umar Solet, Christian Kabasele; Alessandro Zanoli, Jakub Piotrowski, Jesper Karlström, Jurgen Ekkelenkamp, Nicolò Bertola; Nicolò Zaniolo, Keinan Davis.

Match outlook

With Morata out, this feels like a night where Como’s defensive base matters more than ever. If the hosts keep the game controlled, Udinese may struggle to generate the kind of clear chances needed to swing it. The tempo could stay measured — with Como trying to win it through patience and positioning rather than pure firepower.

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