Højlund returns to lead the Napoli attack in Porto as Meret starts in goal

The Danish striker has shaken off a fever and should start at the Dragão on Wednesday 4 November. De Bruyne trained in Portugal but is likely to start on the bench, and Milinković-Savić is back with the squad but will not start.

by Gennaro SanninoTuesday 3 November, 19:01 CET· yesterday

Rasmus Højlund — Foto: VietnamJ25 · CC0

Højlund has fully recovered from the fever that kept him out in Turin. He is all but certain to start as the central striker at the Dragão, Porto's ground, on Wednesday 4 November at 21:00 CET (20:00 UK, 15:00 ET).

De Bruyne travelled with the squad despite a sprained ankle and took part in the final training session in Portugal. Allegri will only decide on him after a last medical check before the match. For now, the bench looks the most likely outcome.

Milinković-Savić came off in Turin with muscle fatigue and flu. He trained apart from the squad on Monday before the flight and has now rejoined the group. Serbia have also called him up for their next matches. He will still start on the bench, with Meret in goal.

Højlund's return is the news that really matters. At the Allianz Stadium, Lucca played in his place. Lucca has yet to score this season, and Napoli managed one shot on target all night. Getting one striker back does not fix an injury list that no longer has a single specialist full-back on it.

Napoli are 22nd in the Champions League with 3 points from three matches, and Porto are still on zero. Another night with one shot on target could not be put down to bad luck.