Napoli's Olivera Injured as McTominay Wait Drags On

Napoli have been dealt another injury blow after confirming that full-back Mathias Olivera returned from international duty with Uruguay carrying a muscular problem, according to a statement on the club's official website. The Partenopei's luck with fitness issues shows little sign of turning since Max Allegri replaced Antonio Conte in the dugout.

Olivera Diagnosis Confirmed

The Uruguayan defender has been diagnosed with a strain of the right external obturator muscle — an injury picked up while away with his national team. As reported by Napoli, there is currently no indication of how long the full-back will be sidelined, leaving Allegri with a fresh selection headache in defence.

The timing could hardly be worse. Napoli have spent much of the past year battling a revolving door of injury problems, and the situation has not improved dramatically under the new coaching regime. Olivera's absence adds to a defensive department that has already been stretched across the opening weeks of the campaign.

For those tracking how Napoli's squad depth holds up in the coming weeks, our Serie A predictions will factor in the latest availability news as Allegri reshuffles his back line.

McTominay's Crucial Test Pushed Back

Meanwhile, there is a further delay in the saga surrounding Scott McTominay. Sky Sport Italia report that the Scotland international's post-surgery tests with the Italian authorities have been postponed until Wednesday. McTominay underwent minor heart surgery on September 8 to resolve a mild benign arrhythmia, and he now requires the all-clear from CONI — the Italian Olympic Committee — medics before he can be permitted to return to full training.

The delay means Napoli must wait a little longer for clarity on one of their key midfielders. Until the CONI panel gives its verdict, McTominay cannot be integrated back into the group at full intensity, and any return date remains provisional. The club and player will be hoping Wednesday's assessment finally opens the door to a comeback.

McTominay's situation is being monitored closely by supporters and fantasy managers alike, and any confirmed return would be a significant boost to Allegri's midfield options. Until then, the uncertainty drags on.

One Piece of Good News for Allegri

It has not been all bad news at the club's training base. Luca Marianucci returned to training with the squad for the first time since suffering an injury in August — a welcome sight for Allegri as he looks to rebuild his available pool of players.

Marianucci's return to group sessions represents genuine progress, even if a matchday comeback may still require careful management. His presence on the training pitch gives the coaching staff another body to work with during a period when the treatment room has been unusually busy.

The broader picture at Napoli remains one of cautious optimism mixed with frustration. Olivera's muscle strain is the latest entry on a long list, McTominay's clearance is still pending, and only Marianucci's return offers immediate encouragement. How Allegri navigates the next stretch of fixtures could shape Napoli's season.

International Breaks Under the Microscope

Napoli's latest setback arrives amid wider debate about the expanded international calendar. The first break of the 2026-27 season was extended to three weeks rather than the usual two, a change introduced by FIFA with player welfare in mind — reducing the number of international windows from five to four and cutting down on long-haul travel for players from Africa and South America.

Yet the growing list of injuries sustained during this longer pause has raised questions about whether the reform is achieving its aims. Olivera's issue, picked up with Uruguay, is precisely the kind of club-versus-country flashpoint that fuels such debate. With domestic action resuming from Friday, clubs across Europe will be counting the cost of the break — and Napoli, once again, find themselves among the hardest hit.

For the latest updates as squads are confirmed and fitness doubts are resolved, keep an eye on our latest football news section, and check our today's AI betting tips for how these absences may influence upcoming fixtures.

What Happens Next

• Olivera: No return timeline confirmed after right external obturator strain sustained on Uruguay duty.
• McTominay: CONI tests rescheduled to Wednesday; full training clearance still required following September 8 heart surgery.
• Marianucci: Back in squad training for the first time since his August injury.

Napoli's medical staff now face a busy week. The club will hope Wednesday brings positive news on McTominay, while Olivera begins his rehabilitation with no fixed date for a return. Allegri, meanwhile, must plan for the resumption of domestic football with a squad still short of full strength.