Noa Lang has been ruled out of Napoli's Champions League league phase encounter against Arsenal on Wednesday due to disciplinary action. The Dutch winger was omitted from the matchday squad following what sporting director Giovanni Manna described as a conduct breach during training on Tuesday.
Coach Massimiliano Allegri made the decision to bench Lang as a disciplinary measure after the player failed to meet the club's standards of professionalism. "He did not behave in the right way. Noa has already apologised and the matter is closed," Manna told Italian media, signalling that the incident has been addressed internally. The 25-year-old will miss the prestigious European fixture from the stands while his teammates face the Gunners in a crucial league phase matchup.
Lang's Napoli Struggles Continue
Lang's absence compounds a difficult period since his return to the Partenopei. The former PSV Eindhoven talent spent the entire 90 minutes on the bench during Saturday's 3-2 away loss to Inter Milan, highlighting his limited involvement in Allegri's squad rotation. Since rejoining Napoli in the summer transfer window, the winger has struggled to secure regular first-team action.
The suspension adds another chapter to Lang's troubled spell at the Serie A club. His relationship with previous manager Antonio Conte deteriorated significantly during the 2023-24 season, prompting a loan move to Galatasaray during the winter break for regular playing time. Upon his summer return, Napoli hoped for a fresh start, but tactical decisions and now disciplinary issues have limited his opportunities in the squad.
What's Next for the Dutchman?
With Arsenal visiting the San Paolo for a competition that carries enormous weight for Napoli's European ambitions, Lang's absence removes an attacking option from Allegri's arsenal. The suspension underscores the challenge facing the Netherlands international to regain his form and standing within the team as Serie A's elite compete for Champions League progression this season.
