Diego Demme’s injury gives Luciano Spalletti headache ahead of Serie A 2021-22, as Napoli are left with few options in midfield and might have to change strategy on the transfer market.
Demme was advised to undergo surgery to fix a ligament in the knee at Villa Stuart yesterday, but Il Mattino reports the Partenopei preferred to wait and scheduled another medical consultation for the German midfielder.
Spalletti has concerns in the midfield department, as Tiemoue Bakayoko’s loan expired in June and 26-year-old Stanislav Lobotka, who arrived from Celta Vigo in January 2020, has not convinced so far.
Fabian Ruiz is expected to arrive shortly, but rumours in Italy have suggested the Partenopei could be willing to sacrifice the Spanish midfielder due to financial reasons.
The 23-year-old Michael Folorusho could be given a chance at the Stadio Diego Maradona this year, as he returns from a stint on loan with Reggina.
The other option is to enter the transfer market to sign a new midfielder, which is unlikely to happen given the budget concerns at the Azzurri.
Demme will, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport, remain out of action for two months and Napoli have been linked with Denis Zakaria and Teun Koopmeiners as possible replacements.