Napoli Striker Lorenzo Lucca Begins Therapy After Ankle Sprain in Friendly; Transfer Interest Persists

Napoli forward Lorenzo Lucca has started a course of therapy after suffering a right ankle sprain in a pre-season friendly against Arezzo. The injury adds a new element to the striker’s uncertain transfer window, with several clubs monitoring his availability.

Lucca, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Nottingham Forest, is expected to leave Napoli this summer. The club confirmed the injury update on Thursday, stating that the 24-year-old began treatment at the team’s training camp in Dimaro.

Injury update and training schedule

The incident occurred during the friendly match with Arezzo, part of Napoli’s pre-season preparations. The club’s medical staff diagnosed a right ankle sprain, and Lucca was unable to join the full squad for the morning session.

According to a Napoli statement, the team split into three groups for Thursday’s workout: activation in the gym, athletic work on the pitch, and separate rehabilitation for Lucca. The club added that a second training session would take place in the afternoon. No timeline for his return has been given, but the injury is not believed to be serious.

Transfer interest from Serie A and abroad

Before the injury, Lucca had been one of the most discussed names in the summer market. The centre-forward is expected to leave the Azzurri after returning from Nottingham Forest, where he made limited appearances.

Italian clubs Lazio and Fiorentina have shown the strongest interest. Fiorentina’s pursuit is reportedly conditional on the potential sale of Moise Kean. Foreign clubs have also made enquiries for the former Udinese striker, though the source does not name specific teams.

What this means for Napoli and the market

For Napoli, the injury is a minor setback in pre-season but could influence the timing of a potential transfer. If Lucca’s recovery takes longer than expected, interested clubs may adjust their offers or look elsewhere. On the other hand, the injury is unlikely to derail a move entirely, as Lucca was already expected to leave.

For the player, the sprain disrupts a crucial period where he could have showcased his abilities to suitors in friendly matches. The club’s medical staff will monitor his progress, and a clearer picture of his availability is expected in the coming days.

The bigger picture: Napoli’s striker situation

Lucca’s departure would leave Napoli with fewer options at centre-forward, though the club has other attacking resources. The management is likely to evaluate the market for a replacement if Lucca leaves. Meanwhile, clubs like Lazio and Fiorentina are weighing their own striker needs, with Lucca seen as a relatively low-cost option with potential.

The injury adds a layer of caution for any buyer, but given the short-term nature of a sprain, it should not be a major obstacle. The summer transfer window remains open, and Lucca’s future is expected to be resolved before the Serie A season starts.

Source: TuttoMercatoWeb – https://www.tuttomercatoweb.com/serie-a/napoli-lucca-iniziato-terapie-distorsione-caviglia-amichevole-2256719