Napoli has announced that Brazilian winger David Neres sustained a muscular injury during Friday’s training session. This setback is likely to rule him out of the team’s upcoming match against Monza on Saturday.

Injury Details and Impact

The club released a brief statement, saying: “David Neres experienced a muscular strain towards the end of today’s training. His condition will be assessed in the coming days.” Initial reports suggest that Neres will miss at least the Monza match, with the possibility of a longer absence.

This injury comes at a critical time for Napoli, as Neres has been a regular starter in recent matches. The 28-year-old had previously missed five games due to a hamstring injury in February and March.

Tactical Adjustments

During Neres’s previous absence, manager Antonio Conte opted for a tactical shift to a 3-5-2 formation, with Giacomo Raspadori partnering Romelu Lukaku in attack. It remains to be seen whether Conte will employ a similar strategy this time or maintain the current system with a different player filling Neres’s role on the left wing.

Potential Replacements

If Conte decides to keep the same formation, Giacomo Raspadori emerges as the leading candidate to replace Neres in the starting lineup. This situation presents an opportunity for other squad members to step up and contribute during a crucial phase of the Serie A season.

As Napoli continues its pursuit of the Serie A title, the team’s ability to adapt to Neres’s absence could prove pivotal in the coming weeks.