Napoli’s injuries ease: recovery signs, Lukaku eyes early return | OneFootball

Napoli’s first part of the season has been heavily affected by injuries, a factor that has impacted their consistency in play and the management of squad rotations.

Napoli, the infirmary begins to empty: signs of recovery and Lukaku heading for an early return

Antonio Conte has had to do without three key players for long periods: Romelu Lukaku, Kevin De Bruyne, and André-Franck Zambo Anguissa. The simultaneous absence of the two midfielders in particular has opened up transfer market scenarios for January, given the need to strengthen the squad while awaiting their full recovery.

Despite the difficulties, the situation is gradually improving. When play resumes after the break, the infirmary should start to empty, giving Conte several useful options back.

Spinazzola and Gilmour aiming to return against Atalanta

Leonardo Spinazzola, who stopped during the match against Como due to an adductor problem, missed the games against Bologna and Eintracht but is now close to returning. The same goes for Billy Gilmour, who suffered a similar muscle strain and was unavailable for the last two matches. Both are targeting the match on November 22 against Atalanta, the first fixture after the break, a date by which Conte hopes to have them back at least partially.

Lukaku steps up: possible return between late November and early December

The most anticipated news concerns Romelu Lukaku. The striker has returned to Castel Volturno and is working hard to speed up his recovery. The initial goal was to return in mid-December to be available for the Super Cup on the 18th, but the timeline may be shortened. The latest assessments suggest that Lukaku could be back as early as late November or early December. If confirmed, he would have a couple of weeks to regain match fitness and playing time, arriving in Riyadh in near-optimal condition. His return could change the face of the attack and restore to the team a crucial presence in front of goal.

Conte between rest, family, and technical “smart working”

While waiting for the returns, Antonio Conte is following the team from a distance: as agreed with the club, he is spending a few days in Turin with his family. However, the distance is not hindering his constant oversight of the daily work of the Azzurri. The staff is led by assistant Cristian Stellini, with direct support from club manager Lele Oriali. Contacts are ongoing and supervision is uninterrupted, as they wait for Monday the 17th, when Conte will return to personally lead the team at Castel Volturno to relaunch a campaign that has experienced a few setbacks.

A necessary restart

The recovery of the injured players, the imminent return of Lukaku, and Conte’s presence—even if temporarily from afar—offer Napoli a calmer outlook compared to previous weeks. With winter and decisive fixtures approaching, every recovery becomes strategic. Napoli hopes this will be the turning point to regain consistency, results, and high-level ambitions.

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