Good news for Antonio Conte ahead of the league match against Lecce. Scott McTominay has overcome the injury that has kept him out of action in recent weeks and will be available to the coach again.
The Scottish midfielder had been sidelined for five games due to a gluteal tendon strain, but has now completed his recovery. He'll likely start on the bench against Lecce before coming on as a substitute. His return, however, represents a significant asset for Napoli, which is gradually recovering several key players.
Following the returns of Frank Anguissa and Kevin De Bruyne, McTominay is also available again, while Stanislav Lobotka continues to work towards his recovery. The Slovakian midfielder would like to return to action, but the medical staff prefers to wait until he is fully recovered before giving the green light.
Vergara's situation is different, as he will be sidelined for about a month due to plantar fasciitis in his left foot. The problem emerged during the last match against Torino, when he was forced to leave the pitch at halftime.
With the injured players gradually recovering, Conte once again has more options in his lineup. One possibility for the match against Lecce is to see Miguel Gutierrez back on the left flank, allowing Leonardo Spinazzola a rest after his recent consistent use.
The Spanish defender himself spoke about his experience and the current season to Radio CRC. "Having players like De Bruyne and Anguissa back with us is very important, because they are great players. Having two players like them is essential," he explained.
Gutierrez also discussed his tactical adaptation, after often being deployed on the opposite flank to his natural position. "I always try to provide solutions to the team and I always want to play: right or left, it makes no difference. I had never played on the right before this year, because my position is on the left, but I think I can do well there too."
The defender also highlighted the differences between Italian and Spanish football. "The way of playing in the Italian league is very different from that in Spain. The teams play differently, and I have to adapt well. I prefer playing with a back four, but this year I'm also learning to play differently."
Finally, a look ahead to the next match. "We're preparing well for the match against Lecce, like all our matches. We're training hard to get the three points in our last ten games as well. Now I just need to learn Italian better, and then I'll learn Neapolitan too."
It seems like good news to me but I don't know if Conti will manage the group well, McTominay is back but perhaps they will always be on the bench, Lobotka is not yet recovered so the staff is right to wait, Vergara is worse with his foot, Gutierrez speaks well but his Italian is still not enough, we'll see.