Why McTominay is not in the Napoli squad against Milan

There were several big surprises in the Napoli starting XI against Milan, none more so than Scott McTominay not even being on the bench.

It kicks off at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT).

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from today’s Serie A games on the Liveblog.

Coach Antonio Conte had confirmed in yesterday’s press conference that Leonardo Spinazzola would not be part of the squad because he sustained a calf issue in the final training session.

However, the big surprise was that McTominay did not appear in the team for tonight’s big match against Milan.

McTominay misses big match with Milan

The Scotland international had been struggling with flu symptoms over the last few days and his condition seems to have deteriorated overnight, to the degree that he is not even on the bench.

This probably also prompted Conte to switch his tactics from the 3-5-2 to a 4-3-3 formation, bringing David Neres back into the starting XI for the first time since his injury in January.

The departure of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia to Paris Saint-Germain was another factor in the change in tactics during that period.

Andre Frank Zambo Anguissa had been in doubt after withdrawing from the Cameroon squad due to a muscular issue, but he is in the starting XI.

McTominay has been a sensation since the transfer from Manchester United, contributing seven goals and four assists in 31 competitive games.