David Neres Suffers Fresh Injury Setback With Surgery Possible In Cruel Napoli Blow

Napoli forward David Neres could require surgery on his ankle injury, it has been revealed.

David Neres Injury Blow, Set For Tests

Neres is suffering from discomfort after coming off against Lazio on January 4, and may have damaged a tendon.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, he will now undergo a fresh medical consultation on the issue, which will determine whether he needs an operation.

Should he go under the knife, the 28-year-old would be ruled out for approximately two months.

This would, of course, represent the worst-case scenario for Antonio Conte, whose list of injury absentees continues to grow despite Romelu Lukaku’s timely return.

The winger had twisted his ankle during the 2-0 victory in Rome, seemingly caused by a hole in the pitch. He was helped off by two medical staff members and looked in pain when trying to put weight on his left boot.

Neres left the stadium on crutches and missed the 2-2 draw with Inter Milan a week later.

But on January 14, he was recalled by Conte and played just over half an hour against Parma. Introduced after 58 minutes, Neres almost lasted to the final whistle before being withdrawn due to his ankle pain.

His rehabilitation has been slow, and the niggling issue has never truly been resolved, but it is hoped that an operation would correct it once and for all.

🚨 David Neres continues to feel pain and it is likely he suffered it against Parma. A new medical consultation is now awaited to determine whether surgery will be necessary.

Neres would be sidelined for about two months.

[@Gazzetta_it] pic.twitter.com/SBAFsZGer4

— Napoli Zone (@TheNapoliZone) January 22, 2026

Napoli Don’t Want To Rush David Neres Back

Speaking shortly after he limped off against Lazio, Napoli doctor Raffaele Canonico said Neres was still in pain.

“We don’t even have three full days to recover between games,” Canonico said, via Tuttomercatoweb.

“That leaves us with only one proper day to prepare for the next match, while the players are still trying to get their bodies back to normal.

“Neres picked up a sprained ankle after twisting his foot awkwardly. Day by day, his recovery had been going well.

“But when we increased the workload, he was still in pain. That’s why he didn’t travel to Copenhagen, and we had to ease off a little. He has gone back to individual rehab work, and we are taking things carefully.”