Napoli defender Alessandro Buongiorno will travel to Barcelona to undergo surgery on his right knee, with the Italy international expected to face an extended spell on the sidelines. The club confirmed the 27-year-old requires an operation to repair the root of the medial meniscus following a specialist consultation in Spain.
Buongiorno had hoped to avoid surgery after experiencing knee issues towards the end of last season. The defender attempted conservative treatment during the off-season, managing the discomfort without immediate intervention. However, medical assessments conducted upon his return for pre-season training revealed the problem required surgical resolution, prompting the club to seek a specialist opinion in Barcelona.
Recovery timeline uncertain
While Napoli have not specified an exact return date, stating only that Buongiorno will be unavailable for several months, Sky Sport Italia suggests the defender could be absent for between two and three months. The discrepancy reflects the unpredictable nature of meniscus root repairs, which typically demand extensive rehabilitation before a player can return to competitive action.
Major signing sidelined
The injury represents a significant blow for Napoli, who invested €36.5 million plus add-ons to sign Buongiorno from Torino in summer 2024. The Italy international had established himself as a key figure in the squad since his high-profile transfer, making the timing of this setback particularly frustrating as the team prepares for the new campaign.
Buongiorno’s absence will test Napoli’s defensive depth during the opening months of the season. The club will monitor his recovery closely following the procedure in Spain before determining a precise timeline for his return to full training and match availability.