Lazio Full-Back Won’t Join National Team After Sustaining Injury in Napoli

Lazio left-back Nuno Tavares will skip Portugal’s next two international fixtures after picking up a knock during Sunday’s game against Napoli.

In the lead-up to the Stadio Maradona clash, the 26-year-old was doubtful after missing training on Wednesday. Gennaro Gattuso revealed the former Arsenal man was suffering from muscle fatigue, and insisted he wouldn’t risk him unless he proves his full fitness.

And yet, Tavares was in the starting lineup on Sunday, but had to grit his teeth to remain on the bench for 45 minutes before making way for Alfonso Pedraza at the interval. The Spaniard ended up scoring an own goal, as the game ended in a 1-1 draw.

According to Radio Laziale, it has been decided that Tavares will remain at Formello during the international break. The full-back is thus expected to undergo clinical tests in the coming hours to determine the extent of his injury.

This is a painful blow for the in-form player, as he was set to play an important role in Portugal’s last two UEFA Nations League group-stage fixtures against Denmark and Wales, especially with Paris Saint-Germain star Nuno Mendes ruled out with an injury.

In addition to Tavares, Gattuso also confirmed that his defender Josip Sutalo won’t join Croatia’s camp after pulling his hamstring on Sunday. The centre-back was immediately replaced by Diogo Leite after the incident.

Unfortunately for Lazio, injuries are starting to pile up, as club captain Mattia Zaccagni had also suffered a muscle problem during the win over Cagliari, which could keep him out for a month. Moreover, Albert Gudmundsson has yet to fully recover from shoulder surgery, but Gattuso is aiming to gradually reintegrate him in the coming week.