Vergara back in contention as Napoli travel to Monza

The number 26 returns after an injury picked up on international duty. Gianluca Grava praises his freshness, but one midfielder cannot fix Napoli's problems on his own.

by Rosaria CimminoWednesday 28 October, 17:13 CET· 3 hours ago

Vergara torna a disposizione nel giorno di Monza-Napoli. Grava: «Ha dimostrato che può essere un valore aggiunto» — Grafica Arena Napoli

Antonio Vergara is available again for Napoli's game at Monza on Wednesday 28 October, kick-off 20:45 CET (19:45 UK, 15:45 ET) at the U-Power Stadium. The number 26 had been out with an injury picked up on international duty against Turkey. He completed his first full training session with the squad on Saturday 24 October.

Gianluca Grava, head of the club's academy, spoke about him on the sidelines of the Napoli Legends event in Pozzuoli.

"It is certainly pleasing that Antonio is available again, that he can bring his freshness and his carefree spirit onto the pitch, because he is a lad who has shown that he can be an added value to this team."

An extra body helps, because the treatment room is full. Badiashile and Spinazzola are out, and Neres and Alisson Santos are still unavailable. Monza, Juventus on Sunday 1 November and Porto on Wednesday 4 November make three games in seven days, so the freshness Grava talks about will be needed.

But there should be no illusions. Napoli are tenth with 11 points, their worst start since 2009-10, and have conceded 17 goals in 11 games. The return of one midfielder does not fix that. The answers we want from Monza concern the whole team.