Napoli wait on Scott McTominay fitness for Atalanta tie live on BBC
Napoli are sweating on the fitness of midfielder Scott McTominay ahead of Sunday’s crucial Serie A trip to Atalanta, which is being shown live on the BBC.
The defending champions travel to Bergamo trailing leaders Inter Milan by 11 points in the table.
Antonio Conte’s side are also four points adrift of AC Milan and desperate to close the gap at the top.
Coverage of the match begins at 13:50 GMT on BBC Alba, iPlayer and the BBC Sport website and app.
Kick-off at the Gewiss Stadium is scheduled for 14:00 GMT.
Injury concerns for Conte
McTominay has missed the last two matches with a troublesome tendon issue.
The Scotland international sat out the recent penalty shootout defeat to Como in the Coppa Italia.
His absence was also felt during Sunday’s 2-2 draw at home to fourth-placed Roma.
Napoli have failed to win any of the three fixtures the influential midfielder has missed this campaign, losing two of them.
“I still don’t know if I’ll play on Sunday,” McTominay told Corriere dello Sport.
“I have a tendon problem that needs to be managed; it’s not easy.”
“I’m giving it my all to be there. As a player, it’s tough to get to the training centre and not be able to train with your team-mates.”
“I desperately want to play, but you have to be sure of my condition.”
Gilmour returns to the fold
While McTominay remains a doubt, fellow countryman Billy Gilmour is back in contention.
The former Brighton midfielder had been sidelined since picking up an injury against Como in November.
However, Gilmour made his return as a 78th-minute substitute against Roma last weekend.
Commitment to Naples
McTominay’s exceptional form since his 2024 move from Manchester United has sparked rumours of a Premier League return.
The 29-year-old was last season’s Serie A Player of the Year and a Ballon d’Or nominee.
Despite links to Tottenham Hotspur and his former club, the midfielder has moved to shut down speculation.
“My agent hasn’t told me anything about my future. He only talks to the club and me,” he said.
“I’m extremely happy here, I’m a Napoli player and it’s all I’m thinking about. I could see myself here for a long time.”
“I love this place. Difficulties have been minimal, my family is happy and I’m happy.”
The club are reportedly keen to extend the contract of a player who has contributed 23 goals and 10 assists in 70 appearances.
McTominay credits head coach Conte for his tactical evolution in Italy.
“At Napoli, I’ve grown both from a tactical point of view and a physical one,” he added.
“Tactically, Italy is different from the Premier League. I had to adapt and learn very quickly how to play.”