With Khvicha Kvaratskhelia out of action for the first game of the season, Napoli boss Rudi Garcia says Hirving Lozano, Giacomo Raspadori or Eljif Elmas could replace the Georgian against Frosinone.
The French coach held a pre-match press conference on Friday ahead of Napoli’s Serie A opener against Frosinone on Saturday.
“The pre-season is nice, but we miss the real competition, and we are happy to start,” he said.
“We’ll face a tough opponent, a team with enthusiasm who have been promoted.”
Kvara has been ruled out but is not dealing with a serious injury.
“It’s only prudence,” explained Garcia.
“He had a knock during a friendly but played 70 minutes in the last game. It’s all normal. The MRI scan was fine, he feels discomfort so he can rest and take no risks. He’ll be back on Monday.”
Will Elmas or Raspadori replace the Georgian?
“It’s not just them. Lozano could be deployed on the left too. He played there when he had his best season and PSV. I am trying a few players. Raspa can play there or even as a Mezzala, surely he will play.”
Are Napoli really close to signing Veiga from Celta Vigo?
“I can only speak about my players, Natan and Cajuste,” replied Garcia.
“This is a press conference on the eve of a game, you should ask Meluso about transfers.
“We are among the favourites, not the favourites,” continued the coach, speaking about the Serie A title race.
“If all the favourites had won the title, Napoli wouldn’t have won last season. Every club has signed reinforcements. We start with a similar team, Kim has been replaced and our new signings have brought freshness.”