Napoli Coach Mulling Options to Replace Injured Winger

Matteo Politano was among the players who got hurt and left the Italy set-up before the decisive Euro qualifier versus Ukraine. The winger drew the nod versus North Macedonia but subbed off at the interval.

The Federation later revealed that he picked up a right calf problem. The attacker is headed back to Naples for further tests that will determine how much time he’ll miss. The early indication is that the issue isn’t severe, Tuttomercatoweb informs.

Still, Politano is doubtful for the Genoa game right after the break. He started all three Napoli matches so far. His previous competitor Hirving Lozano wasn’t 100 percent and was on his way out. His new one, Jesper Lindstrom, just joined.

Should the ex-Sassuolo staple be unavailable, the Azzurri coach will have three choices at his disposal to plug the hole. Besides the Danish newcomer, Giacomo Raspadori and Elijf Elmas got a lot of run in that position during the summer since Lozano was injured.

Our Take on Politano

He’s not among their most renowned weapons but is always a nuisance for defenses. It always seems like the more Raspadori and Elmas play, even if not in their natural roles, the better they fare. However, in this case, not fielding his natural substitute Lindstrom would feel like a vote of no-confidence. Garcia didn’t shy away from deploying Jens-Lys Cajuste in the opener with Frank Anguissa banged up.