What Lobotka injury means for Napoli and Inter in Serie A title race – Football Italia

Napoli have confirmed that Stanislav Lobotka has suffered a minor injury to his ankle, which is not expected to keep him out of action for a major period, but could still impact the Serie A title race, which has Napoli and Inter three points away from each other with three matches left to play. 

Napoli confirm injury to key midfielder Lobotka 

Lobotka was forced off after 54 minutes of Napoli’s 1-0 win over Lecce at the weekend, and reported for medical examinations upon the team’s return to training on Tuesday. 

In an official statement, the club have confirmed that Lobotka has suffered a sprained ankle, and that he has already begun the rehabilitation process. 

“Stanislav Lobotka underwent medical examinations at the Pineta Grande Hospital, which showed a sprained trauma to his right ankle. The Azzurri footballer has already begun the rehabilitation process,” the statement read. 

Initial reports suggest that while Lobotka has a minor injury, he is not expected to miss a significant period. In fact, initial reports from Corriere dello Sport suggest that he will be targeting a return in time to face Genoa at home on Sunday, Napoli’s next Serie A match. 

However, if he is unable to recover in time, then he will likely have to settle for the away match against Parma the following weekend instead. 

What potential Lobotka absence means for Napoli and Inter 

Lobotka has played in every Serie A match he has been available for this term, with a total tally of 31 league matches from a possible 35. He missed four consecutive games with a hamstring injury at the end of October and beginning of November. 

It was Scotland international Billy Gilmour who replaced the Slovakian the last time he was unavailable in Serie A, with compatriot Scott McTominay and Frank Anguissa joining him in the midfield three.

With a three point deficit and three matches left to play, Inter require Napoli to drop points at some stage before the end of the 2024-25 campaign if they are to finish the season as league champions.

Naturally, a key midfielder in Lobotka not being at full fitness would give confidence to the Nerazzurri, particularly as Antonio Conte already had to switch his formation around due to injuries for the Lecce win on Saturday.