Napoli send SOS to Chelsea after Buongiorno and Beukema injuries
Massimiliano Allegri has lost Alessandro Buongiorno, who is likely facing surgery on a meniscus problem in his right knee that would rule him out for at least two to three months, while Sam Beukema is also struggling with a flare-up of a chronic Achilles tendon issue.
Pending further updates, the Napoli coach will have to assess the options already in his squad, with Rafa Marín and Luca Marianucci set to compete for a starting role.
According to La Gazzetta dello Sportone possible market solution is Benoit Badiashile. The French Chelsea defender, left-footed and considered to have similar characteristics to Buongiorno, has been sounded out by Napoli as a potential reinforcement at the back.
For now, though, the Blues appear unwilling to consider a loan: the player is among those Chelsea are willing to let go, but the formula proposed by Napoli has not found a positive response. Federico Gatti, of Juventus, also remains among the alternatives, a player particularly well regarded by Allegri.
In the meantime, Napoli are also weighing up internal solutions. One possibility involves Mathias Olivera, who will return once his post-World Cup holiday ends. The Uruguayan is a natural left-back but has previously played as a centre-back, most notably under Antonio Conte during the title-winning season.
His versatility makes him a possible option to play alongside Rrahmani in a back four.
Chelsea’s reluctance to loan out Badiashile leaves Napoli with a harder decision to make. The 25-year-old, who stands at 1.94m, has made just 42 Premier League appearances across three and a half seasons at Stamford Bridge and is not considered part of Xabi Alonso’s plans, but the London club appear to want a permanent sale rather than a temporary switch.
Newcastle United are also said to retain an interest in the Frenchman, should Chelsea open the door to a permanent departure.
With Buongiorno expected to be sidelined until at least October and Beukema’s situation still being monitored, Allegri faces the prospect of starting the season with a defence patched together from internal options, unless the market situation shifts before the campaign begins.
