On Tuesday, La Repubblica expressed doubts about Napoli defender Sam Beukema’s availability against Manchester City in their Champions League clash on Thursday.
The newspaper noted that the Dutchman is suffering from a bout of flu and alongside Alex Meret, there are uncertainties about his presence on Thursday.
The centre-back, who scored for Napoli against Fiorentina on Saturday, has now spoken to Radio CRC about his condition.
Beukema revealed that he is now fit to take on Manchester City.
He said: “Yesterday I wasn’t well, but today it’s all over. I’m ready for the next match in Manchester.”
Speaking specifically about taking on the Citizens and partnering Alessandro Buongiorno in the backline, Beukema said:
“I got along great with Buongiorno, we talk a lot in training and during matches. However, the road is long – three wins are a great start, but now the Champions League begins, and we want to show our strength against Manchester City.”
“They’re a high-quality team, we’ll need to be focused on everything, but we’re fired up and want to play a good game.”
The 26-year-old played in the Champions League during his time at Bologna and is no stranger to playing major European games.
He has shown a keen ability on the ball and is also a very reliable ground defender for a high or a low defensive line.
Napoli will be without the injures Amir Rrahmani and they can’t afford to lose another key defender, especially when Beukema is starting to get up to speed with Antonio Conte’s brand of football after arriving at the club in the summer.
And with doubts remaining about Alex Meret’s fitness, the Dutchman’s availability on Thursday will be important for Napoli.