Ghanaian international Emmanuel Agyemang Badu has given Udinese a major boost by returning to light training on Friday as he looks to recover from a long-term thigh problem.

The hard tackling midfielder has been ruled out of action since undergoing successful surgery in July last year.

He was initially billed to be fit to start the season but his recovery delayed, leaving him out for the past six month.

Manager Julio Velazquez can count on the experience of Badu from next week when he is set to be given the medica all-clear.

Badu is yet to play a game for the team this season in the Italian Serie A.