Napoli: Conte gets McTominay back, Hojlund out, Lang to start | OneFootball

After the defeat in Turin, which cost Napoli the top spot in the standings, Antonio Conte is preparing an immediate reaction in the Champions League. On Tuesday, the Italian champions will visit PSV Eindhoven, in a tricky but crucial away match to regain confidence and consistency in results.

Napoli, Conte welcomes back McTominay for the Champions League: Hojlund still sidelined. Lang likely to start

The coach of the Azzurri has received mixed news regarding injuries in recent hours: Scott McTominay is back, but Rasmus Hojlund is still out.

McTominay recovers for PSV, but starting position yet to be decided

The Scottish midfielder, who missed the match against Torino, has recovered from an ankle bruise and will be available for the trip to the Netherlands. “McTominay has six stitches, but he is feeling better,” Conte explained after the match at the Olimpico Grande Torino.

His presence is considered valuable both in terms of tactical balance and European experience. The medical staff will assess in the coming hours whether to start him or keep him initially on the bench.

Hojlund still out: Lucca confirmed at the center of the attack

The situation is different for Rasmus Hojlund, who is still unavailable. The Danish forward has not recovered from the muscle problem that has kept him out for two weeks and will not be called up for Eindhoven.

Conte will therefore have to rely once again on Lorenzo Lucca, despite recent performances not being entirely convincing. The former Udinese player remains the only available central striker, especially given Romelu Lukaku's prolonged absence.

The lack of offensive alternatives is currently one of Napoli's main limitations, and they will have to rely on greater contributions from the wingers and midfielders in making runs.

Defense in emergency but Rrahmani nearing return

There is positive news from the defense: after Alessandro Buongiorno's full recovery and Matteo Politano's return to the group, Conte might also welcome back Amir Rrahmani.

The Kosovar defender, sidelined for almost two months due to a muscle injury, has partially returned to training with the group and aims at least for a call-up for the Champions League match. If he is not yet ready, his return will be postponed to Saturday for the league match against Inter.

Lang ready to face his past: the Dutchman eager for a starting spot

It could be a comeback match for Noa Lang, who is vying for a starting position against his former team. His entry in the second half against Torino changed the face of Napoli: brilliant, incisive, and close to scoring the equalizer – disallowed for a marginal offside.

“Lang made a good entrance, I will evaluate him carefully,” Conte said after the match.

In Eindhoven, the coach seems inclined to trust him from the start, both for his technical qualities and the special motivation of facing the club where he grew up in football.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇮🇹 here.