Napoli confirms surgery for Gilmour as Roma looms
Napoli has confirmed Billy Gilmour will undergo surgery during the week to address a reported groin injury as the vclub prepares for a vital Serie A clash with Roma.
The Scotland international has been absent for the past month, while he also missed his country's crucial FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Greece and Denmark.
Gilmour's setback adds to Napoli's woes in the heart of midfield, with Kevin De Bruyne and Frank Anguissa already long-term absentees for Antonio Conte's side.
"Billy Gilmour will undergo surgery in London on Monday, accompanied by Gennaro De Luca from the club's medical staff," a statement on Napoli's website read.
Napoli can leapfrog Roma with victory when the sides lock horns in a blockbuster clash at Stadio Olimpico on Monday (AEDT).
The Partenopei are fresh from a 2-0 victory over Qarabag in the UEFA Champions League in midweek, with Conte pleased by his players' performance levels.
"Napoli was not dead, so it's not about being alive," he said. "It's about working and always giving everything we've got.
"We can win games or not, but the lads know they must give everything each time."
Roma head coach Gian Piero Gasperini is relishing the prospect of his side challenging itself against a title rival and the defending champion.
"We're eagerly anticipating the game against Napoli, it's fair enough that we think about that," he said. "However, to prepare well, you also have to play well.
"The teams know each other well. Napoli's strength is their squad. They have a great team, they're champions of Italy. We know that we have to play to the best of our ability. We'll play against one of the strongest teams in Italy.
"Unlike we did against Inter and AC Milan [both 1-0 defeats], we have to get a better result. We measure ourselves against the strongest teams. Let's see where we are."
