Vergara or Giovane to partner Højlund as short-handed Napoli face Porto

Vergara is back from a calf injury and could start at the Dragão. With no specialist full-backs, Allegri is heading for a 3-5-2, and De Bruyne will make the bench at best.

by Gennaro SanninoTuesday 3 November, 15:15 CET· 3 hours ago

Vergara con la maglia del Napoli — Foto: goal.com

Vergara and Giovane are competing for the place alongside Højlund in Porto on Wednesday 4 November, kick-off 21:00 CET (20:00 UK, 15:00 ET). Vergara had been out since 6 October with a right soleus (calf) problem picked up on international duty. He is back training with the group and has made the squad. Giovane offers physical strength and presence in the box. Vergara offers play between the lines and a direct threat. Højlund missed Turin with flu and should start.

With no full-backs available, the side taking shape is: Meret; Beukema, Rrahmani, Rafa Marín; Politano, Anguissa, Gilmour, McTominay, Lang; Giovane (Vergara), Højlund. Lang would play left wing-back, as he did in a few friendlies at the end of pre-season. De Bruyne travelled with the squad, but the sprained left ankle he suffered against Juventus leaves him doubtful. If he recovers, he goes on the bench. The final answers were due from the last training session at the Dragão on Tuesday 3 November.

The fact that the new name is a player just back from almost a month out says a lot about the state of the squad. In Turin we managed one shot on target. Allegri needs someone who can make things happen, whoever that turns out to be. Napoli have 3 points from three Champions League games, Porto have none. Lazio follow on Sunday at 12:30 CET.