Napoli Injuries Pile Up As Conte Declares They Will Not Feel Sorry For Themselves

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Antonio Conte stated Napoli must avoid self-pity as an injury crisis hits before the Champions League trip to Copenhagen, with key players sidelined but an eight-match unbeaten run in all competitions still intact and confidence that the squad can compete on 20 January 2026.

Napoli edged Sassuolo 1-0 in Serie A on Saturday to stop a sequence of three straight draws, yet that win increased selection problems, as Matteo Politano and Amir Rrahmani both picked up injuries and joined an already crowded treatment room at a crucial point in the season.

Before facing Copenhagen, Conte is missing David Neres, Frank Anguissa and Kevin De Bruyne, while Romelu Lukaku continues rehabilitation from a long-term problem and remains unavailable for selection, leaving Napoli short in several areas as Conte works on tactical adjustments and backup plans.

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Conte explained that preparation for Copenhagen revolves around adaptability and those currently fit. Conte told reporters: "We try to focus on who is there, we always try to find solutions. We've done it over the last few days, trying to prepare for this game, and I hope we can bring that to the pitch."

Conte underlined that recent setbacks forced changes in approach. Conte said: "Inevitably, we have to change a little bit: We lost both Politano and Rrahmani in the last game. Neres also continues to have that ankle problem that we've not been able to solve. We need to find solutions without feeling sorry for ourselves. When the unthinkable happens, it becomes difficult, but I am confident."

Napoli sit 23rd in the Champions League table with seven points, holding a narrow one-point advantage over Benfica in the race for play-off spots, so any slip in Copenhagen could threaten progression, even though Napoli have won all four previous European fixtures against Danish opposition.

Despite that record, recent away form in Europe is poor. Napoli have lost five successive Champions League away matches, conceding at least two goals in every defeat, 17 in total, while Copenhagen seek a third straight win in this season’s tournament, which would mark a first for the Danish club.

Conte played down detailed analysis of Copenhagen and highlighted Napoli’s congested schedule. Conte said: "Making estimations about the opponent seems unhelpful to me. We're so focused on ourselves that we haven't thought about that. We've come off a big run, playing every three days. I think this is our fourth game in nine days. That's absurd. Those who put the schedule together should understand that footballers are subjected to extreme physical and mental stress. So, we're focused on ourselves, trying to do our best. We know we'll face an excellent team, one that is very prepared physically and tactically. It will be a nice stadium, our fans are coming, and we are happy about that. They'll give us a big hand to do something special."

Napoli Champions League injury crisis and Rasmus Hojlund impact

Napoli have relied on limited attacking contributors in Europe this season, with Scott McTominay scoring three Champions League goals and Rasmus Hojlund adding two, underlining the importance of both players while others recover, especially with squad rotation restricted by injuries across several positions.

Conte reserved particular praise for Hojlund’s development. Conte said: "I can only speak positively about Rasmus. He's a fantastic guy, he's only 22 years old, but in my opinion, he still has lots of room for improvement. In just four or five months, he's grown a lot from a tactical and physical point of view. He understands when to attack space, the way he has to position himself with the ball. He's a very important player for us. I think he could become even stronger in the future."

With a place in the Champions League play-offs under threat, Napoli arrive in Copenhagen balancing an impressive eight-match unbeaten streak in all competitions against severe injury issues, heavy scheduling and poor away form in Europe, relying on tactical flexibility, squad depth and travelling support to secure a vital result.