Arsenal and Napoli will face significant squad shortages when they clash in the Champions League on Wednesday evening, with up to seven players potentially missing the crucial group stage encounter in Naples.
Seven Players Could Miss Napoli vs Arsenal as Statement Released Confirming Surgery
The Gunners travel to Italy for their first league phase fixture of the season, aiming to bounce back from last season’s final defeat to Paris Saint-Germain.
However, Mikel Arteta’s selection plans have been disrupted by several injury concerns.
Arsenal remain without William Saliba, who continues his recovery from the back injury sustained while representing France at the World Cup.
Cristhian Mosquera also faces a race against time after missing the weekend’s Premier League victory over Chelsea with a muscle problem.
Arteta confirmed the decision to omit Mosquera was purely precautionary, stating:
“He had a muscular issue. We think it is not too much, but we need to wait and see in the next few days how it evolves.”
Jurrien Timber offers a glimmer of hope for Arsenal supporters. The Dutch defender has yet to feature this season following summer surgery but has participated in training sessions ahead of the trip.
Arteta provided an encouraging update, saying: “He’s in really good condition at the moment, he’s been a few weeks on the pitch and has been training with us.”
Napoli face their own selection headaches after confirming Scott McTominay underwent successful heart surgery on Tuesday.
The former Manchester United midfielder will miss two weeks of action following an ablation procedure at Spire Manchester Hospital.
The Serie A side confirmed in a statement: “The operation was a complete success. McTominay will rest for two weeks and then resume training.”
The Italian outfit will also be without Luca Marianucci, who sustained a knee injury during pre-season, while Giovane remains sidelined following a hernia procedure.
Alessandro Buongiorno completes Napoli’s injury list as he recovers from his own knee problem.
Both managers will need to navigate these significant absences as they prepare for what promises to be a compelling Champions League encounter at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.
