Antonio Conte will be unable to call upon Billy Gilmour for two-months as Napoli’s injury crisis worsens.
Billy Gilmour To Miss Majority Of 2025/26 Campaign
The Scottish international is set to miss over 15 matches for Napoli after picking-up a severe groin strain during the Partenopei’s 0-0 stalemate with Como on November 1st.
Initial tests stated that Gilmour would make a full recovery during the Christmas period, however, the latest updates have revealed that his situation is worse than expected.
Gilmour may need to undergo surgery in the coming days and the operation would require at least two months of recovery time – ruling the Scot out until February 2026.
The 24-year-old has already missed Napoli’s last four matches and this overall tally is expected to reach 20 before Gilmour makes a return to Napoli side.
This means that Gilmour will be unavailable for crucial league matches against Roma, Juventus and Inter, while also casting doubt over the Champions League Ro16 playoffs in mid-February.
Antonio Conte’s squad has been bombarded with injuries during the 2025/26 campaign, with Romelu Lukaku missing the entirety of the season so far.
The Belgian’s replacement, Rasmus Hojlund, has failed to meet expectations and the Dane is set to be dropped in Napoli’s upcoming Serie A clash against Roma.
Although Lukaku’s absence has been an issue for Napoli, the Partenopei’s biggest issue is the midfield roster – as the spine of the side is down to its bare bones.
Frank Anguissa and Kevin De Bruyne have been ruled out until the opening stages of 2026, meaning the Napoli manager only has three first-team options in the center of midfield.
Scott McTominay, Stanislav Lobotka and Eljif Elmas are Napoli’s only senior options, meaning Conte will be pushing for some reinforcements during the January window.
Antonio Conte Prepares Emergency January Signing
Only having three players to call-upon in the center of midfield is a huge problem for Antonio Conte, especially as Napoli have deployed a 4-3-3 system this season.
This means Conte will be eyeing-up multiple midfield options at the beginning of 2026 and the Italian has identified Manchester United star, Kobbie Mainoo.
The English international has fell down the pecking-order at Old Trafford since Ruben Amorim took charge, as Mainoo is yet to start in the Premier League this season.
Napoli were close to bring the 20-year-old to Italy during the summer, as Mainoo handed in a loan request on the final day of the window – but United ended negotiations swiftly.
Since then, Mainoo’s position in the Manchester United team has taken a bigger hit and the youngster is pushing for a temporary, or even permanent, move in January.
Another option for Anotnio Conte is Atalanta midfielder Ederson but the Brazilian has attracted Premier League interest and would prefer a move to England.
Atalanta are also looking to receive €50million for their star midfielder and Napoli are unwilling to match this price tag mid-way through the season.
