Napoli title chances take hit with Ghoulam out for months

Napoli's Faouzi Ghoulam has torn the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee. (Daniel Ochoa de Olza/AP)

NAPLES, Italy — Napoli’s hopes for the Serie A title have taken a hit with the announcement that left back Faouzi Ghoulam has torn the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee.

Ghoulam was injured during the first half of Napoli’s 4-2 loss to Manchester City in the Champions League on Wednesday and could be out for months.

Napoli says medical exams revealed a complete tear and that Ghoulam will have an operation on Friday.

Napoli is a bit weak at fullback. The 35-year-old Christian Maggio replaced Ghoulam during the City match and played at right back, with Elseid Hysaj moving to the left. Another possible replacement is Mario Rui, who wasn’t even on the bench against City.

Napoli has a two-point lead over Inter Milan at the top of Serie A.

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