Napoli Coach Rafael Benitez has addressed rumours concerning Juan Camilo Zuniga, insisting any operation would not sideline him for too long.
Napoli Coach Rafael Benitez has addressed rumours concerning Juan Camilo Zuniga, insisting any operation would not sideline him for too long.
Reports yesterday had indicated that the Colombian wants to go under the knife once again to relieve lingering knee pain, while Napoli were opposed to such a plan after the right-back missed most of last season following a similar procedure.
However, his Coach has today looked to explain the issue at hand and ease concern over any potential absence.
“How is Zuniga? He still has discomfort in his knee,” Benitez told his Press conference ahead of Napoli’s game with Roma.
“We need more checks to make the right choice about treatment.
“Will he be out for a long time? It’s not clear. It’s for a specialist to decide if he needs a week, two weeks, or three.
“An operation? Yes, but not one which would keep him out for a long time it’s not that kind of operation.”
Zuniga’s desire to go under the knife was thought to be a point of contention between player and club, with reports this morning even suggesting Napoli could sell the 28-year-old in January if the right offer were to come in.
Meanwhile, Napoli have named their squad to host Roma and welcome back Walter Gargano after surgery on a fractured cheekbone. Zuniga is absent.
Napoli squad to face Roma: Rafael, Andujar, Colombo, Maggio, Mesto, Henrique, Albiol, Britos, Koulibaly, Ghoulam, Radosevic, Jorginho, Inler, Gargano, David Lopez, De Guzman, Callejon, Mertens, Insigne, Hamsik, Duvan, Michu, Higuain