The clash between Napoli and Chelsea in the UEFA Champions League League Stage takes place at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona in Naples on 28 January 2026, with kickoff at 20:00 UTC. Napoli come in 25th in the overall table with 8 points, while Chelsea sit much higher in 8th on 13 points.
Napoli Availability
Napoli face a severe injury crisis across the pitch. In midfield, A. Zambo Anguissa is ruled out with a thigh injury, while creative hub K. De Bruyne also misses out with a similar problem, and B. Gilmour is sidelined by a groin issue. Attacking options are hit with David Neres out with an ankle injury and M. Politano unavailable due to a muscle problem, further limiting width and dribbling threat. At the back, Amir Rrahmani and P. Mazzocchi are absent through muscle injury and concussion respectively, and young defender Luca Marianucci is listed as inactive. Goalkeeper V. Milinkovic-Savic is also missing with a muscle injury. Amid this, Napoli will lean heavily on top Champions League scorer S. McTominay, who has contributed 4 goals in 7 appearances from midfield.
Chelsea Availability
Chelsea also travel with a lengthy list of concerns. In defence, T. Adarabioyo is out with a muscle injury and L. Colwill with a knee problem, reducing options at centre-back. In midfield, Dário Essugo and R. Lavia are both unavailable through injury and thigh injury respectively. Further forward, M. Mudryk is suspended, while attacking stalwart R. Sterling is listed as inactive, alongside goalkeeper G. Slonina and C. Wiley. There are additional doubts over F. Jorgensen and key playmaker C. Palmer, both questionable with injuries, Palmer specifically with a thigh issue, which could significantly affect Chelsea’s creative output between the lines.
Impact Summary
Both sides are heavily depleted, but Napoli’s absences cut deep through their spine, removing De Bruyne, Anguissa and several attacking outlets. Chelsea’s defensive and creative options are also reduced, yet with Palmer still only questionable rather than definitively out, the visitors may retain a slightly stronger attacking balance going into this crucial Champions League tie.
