New Napoli signing Mathias Olivera admits he too feared a serious injury when stretchered off for Uruguay, but promises he’ll be ready for pre-season training next month.
The left-back has been picked up from Getafe for €11m plus bonuses, having contributed one goal and three assists in 32 LaLiga appearances this season.
There were concerns when Olivera crumpled to the ground after a rough tackle during Uruguay’s match against Panama and was stretchered off in tears.
“I am feeling better, but at first I was really frightened, because it could’ve been much worse. Thank God it was just a sprain, now I have three weeks to recover,” the 24-year-old said on Sport890 radio.
“I heard a noise and it hurt so much, I feared the worst, that it was a cruciate ligament tear. I was so anxious waiting for the test results, everything was whizzing around my mind, but the doctor gave me the good news and I was so happy.”
The recovery time is expected to be at least three to four weeks, but Olivera is hopeful he will be able to participate in pre-season training with Napoli and coach Luciano Spalletti from the start.
“I will remain here in Uruguay for my summer vacation and continue physiotherapy. The Napoli staff call every day to see how my recovery is progressing. I can’t wait to get to know the club.
“I’ll be in Italy from July 4, Walter Gargano and Edinson Cavani told me how much Uruguayans are appreciated at Napoli. Cavani said it’s a very demanding place with a lot of pressure, but I will give my best.”
That game with Panama was only his sixth senior cap for Uruguay, after 28 appearances for the Under-20 squad.
A product of the Nacional youth academy, Olivera moved to Europe for Getafe in 2017 and also had a loan spell with Albacete for 18 months from 2018 to January 2019.
Olivera: “Infortunio? Mi sono spaventato, tra 3 settimane sarò pronto! Il 4 luglio sarò in Italia. Ho parlato con Cavani e Gargano…” https://t.co/IOZr0Rcl26
— TuttoNapoli.net (@tuttonapoli) June 14, 2022