Napoli have confirmed the injury diagnosis for midfielder Stanislav Lobotka after his setback on international duty for Slovakia.
The player limped off during the 3-1 Nations League victory away to Azerbaijan on Monday evening.
He returned to Naples and underwent tests on the left thigh, which discovered a Grade I semi-tendon pull.
This is not as serious as first feared, as there is no lesion, so the muscle has only been stretched out.
Lobotka injury not as bad as first feared
It means that the player is expected to be out of action for this weekend’s Serie A match against Empoli, while he remains in doubt for the next fixture against Lecce too.
However, the positive news is that Lobotka should be back and fully fit for the big showdown with Milan in Week 10.
So far this season, the 29-year-old has made nine appearances between Serie A and the Coppa Italia, contributing one assist.
In his absence, summer signing Billy Gilmour is expected to step into Antonio Conte’s starting XI behind fellow Scotland international Scott McTominay.