Conte: Napoli put ‘helmets on’ amid injury crisis, Lukaku ‘absolutely not ready’

Antonio Conte says Napoli ‘need to put our helmets on’ due to their injury crisis and urges the medical staff to ‘talk more’ about injury issues.

Napoli prepare to face Qarabag in the Champions League on Tuesday.

It’s a home fixture for the Partenopei, who have only earned four points in the opening four games in the competition, losing and drawing once and losing twice.

Tomorrow marks the fifth anniversary of Maradona’s death and Conte is determined to secure a victory to dedicate to the Argentine legend.

Napoli vs. Qarabat: Conte’s pre-match press conference

NAPLES, ITALY – NOVEMBER 04: SSC Napoli head coach Antonio Conte looks on before the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD4 match between SSC Napoli and Eintracht Frankfurt at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on November 04, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)

“Of course, it’s the anniversary of Maradona’s passing. We all know what he represents for Naples, and it would certainly be nice if we could dedicate a win to him,” the Napoli boss said at a pre-match press conference on Monday, via TuttoNapoli.

“Qarabag can be considered the surprise team of the Champions League. They have seven points, even earned on difficult pitches like Benfica’s. They drew the last home game against Chelsea, almost winning at the end. They have many foreign players, but well integrated. We’ll need a lot of energy from the start because they’ll bring plenty of it.”

Several key Napoli players have suffered injuries this season. Romelu Lukaku has been sidelined since August, and in recent weeks, Kevin De Bruyne, Frank Anguissa, Alex Meret, Leonardo Spinazzola and Billy Gilmour also suffered injuries.

“There are things a coach can control, like preparing for the match, but what you can’t control is who you have available,” Conte said.

“Since the beginning of the year, we’ve had to make a virtue of necessity to compensate for important situations. We’ve been doing that from the start, and I hope things turn a bit in our favour so we can have a wider range of choices and not constantly chase after emergencies.”

Conte explains Rrahmani and Hojlund substitutions

BOLOGNA, ITALY – NOVEMBER 09: Jhon Lucumi of Bologna FC 1909 battles for possession with Rasmus Hojlund of Napoli during the Serie A match between Bologna FC 1909 and SSC Napoli at Renato Dall’Ara Stadium on November 09, 2025 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

Even Amir Rrahmani and Rasmus Hojlund were subbed off against Atalanta on Saturday, but Conte seemed confident they’d be available tomorrow.

“The substitutions were technical-tactical. Amir was coming off two intense matches with the national team. He had an excellent first half and spent a lot of energy. Same for Hojlund, he had given everything,” Conte said.

“As for Gilmour and Spinazzola…sometimes I’d like the medical staff to talk more about the situation because they’re specialists. These aren’t muscle injuries, and if you ask me about recovery times, even today, I’m still unable to know.”

Because of the many injuries, Conte used a three-man defence against Atalanta in the previous Serie A round.

“The switch to a back three is a result of the emergency, but mainly because of the two-man midfield and to have an option like Elmas on the bench, even if it’s not exactly his role,” he explained.

“It’s not about the numbers; you have to work on it and put the players in the best conditions. Then you can defend with one system and attack with another.”

Conte provides Lukaku injury update

CASTEL DI SANGRO, ITALY – AUGUST 14: Romelu Lukaku of Napoli lies on the pitch after being injured during the pre-season friendly match between Napoli and Olympiacos at Stadio Teofilo Patini on August 14, 2025 in Castel di Sangro, Italy. (Photo by Giuseppe Bellini/Getty Images)

Reports in Italy have suggested that Lukaku could be available for the next Serie A match against Roma, but Conte didn’t really sound optimistic about the Belgian’s return.

“He’s absolutely not ready; he still needs to work,” Conte concluded.

“We know his importance in every aspect. We’re talking about a player at a recognised international level. He gives a lot and will give a lot when fully fit, also in the dressing room, because he’s one of the most charismatic. He had to undergo treatment for many months in Belgium. He’s important because, in this emergency, we’ll all need to put our helmets on.”