Napoli’s season has demanded repeated adjustments rather than a settled routine. Injuries have already accounted for 27 missed matches across the squad, forcing Max Allegri to alter selections, redistribute responsibilities and work without continuity in several important areas of the side. The total is not yet extraordinary in the context of a full campaign, nor compared with the difficulties of last season, but the timing and concentration of absences have made the burden felt.
The coach and the club
Allegri has been particularly affected at centre-back, where Alessandro Buongiorno and Luca Marianucci have each missed six matches. The pair represent 12 of Napoli’s 27 injury-related absences, a considerable loss in a department in which the club had invested heavily.
Buongiorno underwent surgery on the medial meniscus root in his right knee and is not expected to be available before 2027. Marianucci, meanwhile, is approaching the final stage of his recovery from a high-grade injury to the medial collateral ligament in his left knee. The international break is expected to provide the last part of his path back to group training.
The double setback has required Napoli to find solutions around Amir Rrahmani, who has provided a regular reference point in defence. Rafa Marin has consequently received more opportunities, while Badiashile was brought in to widen Allegri’s options. The central-defensive group has not been complete, with Beukema still waiting for his first appearance after a delayed return to fitness.
A midfield still searching for continuity
Scott McTominay has missed four matches after undergoing an ablation procedure on 8 September. The Scottish midfielder is continuing his recovery during the break, still training separately but expected to rejoin the main group soon.
Giovane has also been unavailable for four games following groin-hernia surgery. On two further occasions he was named among the substitutes but did not play. André-Frank Zambo Anguissa has missed two matches after a further stoppage caused by the muscular problem he suffered against Fiorentina.
Those interruptions have prevented Allegri from working with his preferred midfield at full strength. The group that had previously been described as Napoli’s “Fab Four” has never been entirely available to the coach during this stretch of the season.
The wider injury account
The remaining absences have been spread through the squad. Alisson Santos missed two matches with a left hamstring injury, while goalkeeper Alex Meret has been sidelined for two with an adductor issue. Leonardo Spinazzola missed one game after suffering a contracture shortly before Napoli’s most recent trip to Florence.
| Player | Matches missed | Situation |
|---|---|---|
| Alessandro Buongiorno | 6 | Recovering from right-knee surgery; unavailable before 2027 |
| Luca Marianucci | 6 | Near return after a left-knee ligament injury |
| Scott McTominay | 4 | Recovering after ablation procedure |
| Giovane | 4 | Recovering from groin-hernia surgery |
| André-Frank Zambo Anguissa | 2 | Being monitored after muscular trouble |
| Alisson Santos | 2 | Left hamstring injury |
| Alex Meret | 2 | Adductor problem; close to returning |
| Leonardo Spinazzola | 1 | Contracture before the Fiorentina away match |
It is not yet a breaking point for Napoli, but it is a warning for a club competing on several fronts and heading into a demanding run of fixtures before the next international interval. Allegri may receive some relief when play resumes: Meret and Marianucci are ready to return, McTominay is close, and Anguissa remains under close medical observation.
