Napoli have suffered a significant setback just before their penultimate Serie A match of the season, as Kevin De Bruyne has been sidelined following a training ground accident.
The Belgian playmaker was a surprise omission from the squad for Monday’s crucial clash against Bologna, leaving fans at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona in shock. The veteran midfielder did not even make the bench, sparking immediate concerns about his fitness for the remainder of the campaign.
Speaking to DAZN before the match, Antonio Conte explained the nature of the injury, revealing that a physical collision during practice led to a serious facial wound. The former Inter and Chelsea boss confirmed that medical staff quickly intervened to treat the Belgian after he clashed heads with a teammate.
Conte provided specific details, clarifying that while De Bruyne avoided a concussion, the damage was severe enough to keep him out of the game. “In training he had a head-to-head collision, and he opened up his cheekbone. They gave him four stitches; he had tests. There is no head trauma, but he is not playing,” Conte said.
Despite the loss of De Bruyne, Conte was able to welcome back Giovanni Di Lorenzo to the starting lineup, providing a boost to the defensive unit and team leadership. “Giovanni represents a bit of the Napoli of the last cycle that started a long time ago. He is the only one to have won everything that has been won in the recent period. Charismatic player and, after 15 days since he returned to training with us, it was right that he returned as a starter,” Conte added.
De Bruyne has endured a difficult season, having spent 129 days sidelined with a hamstring injury from last October. The former Manchester City star has featured in 19 matches across all competitions for Napoli this season, scoring five goals and providing three assists. Napoli entered Monday’s game second in Serie A, trailing leaders Inter by 15 points and holding a two-point lead over AC Milan.
