Napoli return from the international break with a familiar problem already shaping their next chapter: the squad is short again, and Massimiliano Allegri must prepare for Frosinone with another injury concern on the left flank.
Olivera adds to Napoli’s mounting absences
Mathias Olivera has suffered a strain to the external obturator muscle while away with Uruguay, removing another defensive option from Allegri’s plans. The left-back’s absence comes at a difficult point in a season that has repeatedly tested Napoli’s depth.
The right side is also affected, with Favasuli unavailable until the next international interval. Antonio Vergara then created fresh concern during Napoli’s win at Bologna. The 2003-born player left the pitch with five minutes remaining after feeling pain in his right calf and was seen on the bench with ice applied to the area.
Further examinations will establish the extent of Vergara’s problem, but Napoli are hoping it proves minor. The break has nevertheless brought three injury setbacks, leaving Allegri with little room for further losses.
- Olivera is sidelined after picking up a muscle injury with Uruguay.
- Favasuli will remain out until the next international break.
- Vergara is awaiting tests after a late calf issue against Bologna.
- Alessandro Buongiorno is not expected back before January following right-knee surgery in July.
- Alisson Santos needs more time before he can be considered for selection.
Recovery race before Frosinone visit
There are, however, some encouraging signs at Castel Volturno. Alex Meret is improving and, if declared fit, could compete with Milinkovic-Savic for the goalkeeper’s shirt. Leonardo Spinazzola is also available, a significant relief given Olivera’s absence and the lack of alternatives on the left.
Marianucci and Giovane are also progressing reasonably well. Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa’s condition will be assessed in the coming days, although the outlook is not presently encouraging.
Buongiorno’s wait will be considerably longer. His recovery after an operation on the medial meniscus of his right knee has taken beyond the original hope of a two-month return. Having missed almost all of pre-season, setting a precise date for his comeback remains difficult even once January arrives.
International players begin returning from Monday, and Allegri is expected to be able to organise a practice match on Tuesday. The immediate target is Saturday night’s home meeting with Frosinone at the Maradona.
Frosinone arrive as one of the early surprises of the campaign, having halted Como’s momentum before the pause. Napoli then face Villarreal in the Champions League, with nine fixtures packed into fewer than four weeks.
Hojlund and De Bruyne return with international momentum
While the medical room remains busy, Rasmus Hojlund and Kevin De Bruyne have given Napoli reasons for confidence through their international performances.
Hojlund returns with three goals from Denmark’s four Nations League Group 4 matches, having started each of them. He scored with a header against Norway, struck on the break against Portugal and converted a decisive penalty against Wales with 15 minutes left.
De Bruyne played three times for Belgium, missing the final match through suspension. He supplied an assist against Italy and scored twice against Turkey, his sixth brace for the national team. Their form gives Allegri two senior figures to lean on through to the mid-November international break.
Allegri likely to rely on a settled side
With resources limited, Napoli are expected to put experimentation aside against Frosinone. Allegri is set to retain his 4-3-3 structure, selecting either Milinkovic-Savic or Meret in goal.
- Defence: Giovanni Di Lorenzo, Amir Rrahmani, Rafa Marin and Spinazzola.
- Midfield: Stanislav Lobotka, Billy Gilmour and De Bruyne.
- Attack: Matteo Politano and Noa Lang supporting Hojlund.
The bench should include Badiashile, Marianucci, Beukema, David Neres and Lorenzo Lucca, with Giovane a possible additional option. For now, Napoli’s selection pool offers little beyond that group, making the coming run of matches as much a test of endurance as of results.
