Napoli have confirmed that David Neres and Vanja Milinkovic-Savic will miss upcoming fixtures through injury, intensifying selection problems for Antonio Conte. The absences arrive during a difficult spell,
with Napoli defending the Serie A title while also chasing Champions League progress and already struggling to keep pace with Inter at the top of the table.
David Neres has had surgery on a left ankle problem in London, while goalkeeper Vanja Milinkovic-Savic is sidelined by a left thigh strain. Both players have started rehabilitation programmes, though Napoli have not given a precise return date, leaving Conte without two more options in attack and in goal for a key period.
The latest setbacks add to a long injury list for Conte this season. Kevin De Bruyne, Frank Anguissa and Amir Rrahmani have all missed recent matches, reducing rotation choices across midfield and defence. Romelu Lukaku has only just returned from a thigh issue, which also limited attacking depth during earlier games in Serie A and Europe.
Results have reflected these problems. Napoli lost 3-0 to Juventus on Sunday, a defeat that left the reigning champions nine points behind leaders Inter. Conte’s side have recorded only one win in the last six matches in all competitions, so losing Neres and Milinkovic-Savic threatens to place further strain on the title defence.
Medical update | David Neres and Vanja Milinkovic-Savic https://t.co/L9PrjonCQ5Official SSC Napoli (@en_sscnapoli) January 26, 2026
The club released a statement that read: On Monday, David Neres underwent surgery on his left ankle in London. The operation was a complete success. The Napoli player will rest for a few days and will then start his rehabilitation programme. Vanja Milinkovic-Savic underwent medical exams at Pineta Grande Hospital, which revealed a strain of the biceps femoris in his left thigh. The keeper has already started his rehabilitation programme.
Napoli now face a decisive run of fixtures with a reduced squad. Conte’s team will probably need to beat Chelsea in the final league phase match of the Champions League to reach the play-offs. After facing the Premier League side, Napoli host struggling Fiorentina in Serie A before travelling to Genoa, with injuries likely to influence selection and tactics.
