Napoli will have two key members of the squad back for Monday’s match versus Udinese. Alex Meret and Mario Rui have been called up by coach Luciano Spalletti after missing time because of injury. The goalkeeper returned sooner than expected. Instead, the fullback sat out the midweek Leicester tilt due to muscle fatigue.
Meret suffered a fracture of the transverse process between the 3rd and 4th lumbar vertebra in the Genoa game before the first international break. He was expected to miss up to six weeks because of it. Instead, he has recuperated in nearly three. David Ospina should remain between the sticks for Napoli Monday, but Meret will reprise the starting job sooner rather than later.
Rui will be a late call following the minor muscular problem. There is optimism he will start, La Gazzetta dello Sport informs. If the coaching staff played it safe to avoid more severe injuries, Juan Jesus would get the nod at left-back. Giovanni Di Lorenzo filled in versus Leicester, but Kevin Malcuit struggled on the right flank.
On the other hand, Napoli will have to wait a little more for Dries Mertens, Stanislav Lobotka, Diego Demme and Faouzi Ghoulam. The Belgian striker is the closest to coming back following offseason shoulder surgery. Udinese will be missing Destiny Udogie, Ilja Nestorovski, and Isaac Success in today’s game. Jens Stryger Larsen has been dealing with a stomach bug throughout the week, like the Nigerian newcomer. However, he made the squad list and, at worst, he will be available off the bench.