Napoli midfielder Stanislav Lobotka will be ready to return to the Partenopei starting eleven against Inter Milan on Sunday.

This according to today’s print edition of Turin-based newspaper Tuttosport, via FCInterNews. They report that the 29-year-old can make his return from injury from the first minute.

Lobotka has been Napoli’s most notable absentee during recent matches.

The former Celta Vigo midfielder has been out since the international break last month. He suffered a muscle problem during the break and has not been rushing back while he’s recovered.

Lobotka is a vital player for Napoli.

The Slovakian international was one of the Partenopei’s key men as they won the Serie A title under Luciano Spalletti.

And after a tough campaign last time out for Napoli as a whole, Lobotka has once again found his best form since the arrival of Antonio Conte as coach.

Lobotka has played in the holding midfield role. He is the player who sets the tempo in possession for Napoli, whilst he is also an important defensive presence screening the backline.

Stanislav Lobotka Fit To Start For Napoli In Serie A Clash Vs Inter

With Lobotka out, Conte has opted for other solutions in midfield.

Most notably, former Brighton and Hove Albion and Chelsea midfielder Billy Gilmour has gotten a run of matches in the holding midfield role.

Meanwhile, Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa has kept his starting spot.

And Scott McTominay – a summer signing from the Premier League like Gilmour – has also been a regular in the Napoli midfield.

The trio of Gilmour, Anguissa, and McTominay started Napoli’s 0-3 Serie A defeat against Atalanta last weekend.

That was a result which perhaps underlined the significance of Lobotka’s absence.

But Lobotka is once again fully fit.

The only question has been whether 29-year-old would be able to start on Sunday, or just be on the bench.