Napoli welcome back two long-absent midfielders for Friday evening’s home clash with Torino, with both Kevin De Bruyne and Frank Zambo Anguissa named in Antonio Conte’s squad after months on the sidelines, although neither will start.
The Belgian and the Cameroonian, out since 25 October and 11 November respectively, are included purely as bench options, with Conte managing their returns carefully, as per La Repubblica.
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A shortened preparation week due to the Friday fixture meant the training match he typically uses to sharpen recovering players could not take place.
NAPLES, ITALY – JANUARY 07: Stanislav Lobotka of SSC Napoli battles for possession with Antoine Bernede of Hellas Verona FC during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and Hellas Verona FC at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on January 07, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
Lobotka injured as De Bruyne & Zambo Anguissa return for Napoli
The positive news is tempered considerably by fresh midfield casualties.
Stanislav Lobotka has joined Scott McTominay on the treatment table with a muscular complaint sustained after the Verona win, meaning all four of Conte’s preferred central midfielders are simultaneously unavailable for the first time this season.
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Rrahmani, Di Lorenzo and David Neres remain longer-term absentees.
Billy Gilmour and Eljif Elmas will start in midfield, with Romelu Lukaku among the substitutes alongside De Bruyne and Anguissa. Up front, a youthful attacking trio of Antonio Vergara, Rasmus Højlund and Alisson Santos will lead the line.
Napoli remain unbeaten at home in Serie A this season, and with 50,000 fans expected, plus the added subplot of Giovanni Simeone returning as opposition, the atmosphere should be suitably charged. Three points are essential for Napoli’s Champions League ambitions, and Conte will be determined to make home advantage count.
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