Napoli’s Midfield Depth Tested Ahead of Crucial Juventus Clash as Lobotka Sidelined

Key Takeaways:

• Stanislav Lobotka has sustained a muscle injury and is expected to miss Sunday’s fixture against Juventus
• The injury was picked up during the warm-up before the Coppa Italia tie with Cagliari, which Napoli won on penalties
• Antonio Conte’s midfield options are now restricted to Scott McTominay and Eljif Elmas, with De Bruyne, Gilmour, and Anguissa also unavailable

Injury Blow for Napoli’s Midfield

Napoli are facing a significant selection dilemma ahead of their highly anticipated meeting with Juventus, with Stanislav Lobotka set to miss out due to a muscle injury. The midfielder, who was not expected to start, suffered the setback during the warm-up prior to last night’s Coppa Italia fixture against Cagliari and was absent from the bench entirely.

Tegola #Napoli: Stanislav #Lobotka ha riportato un risentimento muscolare al tibiale posteriore della gamba sinistra.⁰Gli azzurri rischiano di sfidare domenica la Juve con fuori praticamente tutto il centrocampo tranne McTominay pic.twitter.com/ogKYguM0mk

— Nicolò Schira (@NicoSchira) December 4, 2025

Conte’s Options Further Limited

Head coach Antonio Conte is now grappling with a depleted midfield. De Bruyne, Gilmour, and Anguissa remain sidelined through injury, which leaves Conte with only Scott McTominay and Eljif Elmas available as first-team options in the centre of the park. This succession of injuries has come at a critical time as Napoli prepare to take on Juventus on Sunday.

Recent Match Summary

The injury to Lobotka overshadowed Napoli’s progress in the Coppa Italia, where they emerged victorious over Cagliari after a penalty shoot-out. Although Lobotka was not initially chosen for the starting eleven, his absence further highlights the challenges Napoli are currently facing in squad selection.