Napoli could have to do without star defender Kalidou Koulibaly for their upcoming match against Inter according to a report in today’s print edition of Il Mattino.

The 28-year-old centre back missed Napoli’s last match against Sassuolo due to injury and club staff are doubtful about his chances of being back to take on Antonio Conte’s high-flying Inter side.

Napoli staff have similar doubts about Nikola Maksimovic’s chances of featuring as well. Maksimovic has missed Napoli’s past two matches due to suspension but is now dealing with an injury.

The report from the Naples based newspaper goes on to detail that both Kostas Manolas and Dries Mertens should both be back at the disposal of manager Gennaro Gattuso.

Young defender Sebastiano Luperto has also overcome his injury problem and will be available to Gattuso for his sides first match back after the Serie A winter break, which will take place at their home stadium, the Stadio San Paolo.