Antonio Conte bemoans 'completely absurd' Napoli injury crisis after Frank Anguissa earns champions 1-0 win over Lecce

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Antonio Conte aired his frustrations at Napoli's growing injury list as Noa Lang went off injured in their 1-0 win over Lecce. The reigning Italian champions moved three points clear at the top of Serie A thanks to Frank Anguissa's winning goal, but Conte was left agitated as he contends with the long-term injuries of Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku and Stanislav Lobotka.

Highlights: Napoli battle past spirited Lecce amid penalty controversy

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Antonio Conte bemoaned Napoli’s "completely absurd" injury crisis as his side edged past Lecce to move three points clear at the top of Serie A.

Frank Anguissa scored his fourth goal of the league campaign, heading in David Neres’ cross 21 minutes from time as Napoli survived a controversial VAR penalty decision and won 1-0.

There were more issues for Conte to contend with though, as Noa Lang had to be replaced by Neres early in the second half with what appeared to be a dead leg.

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His injury concern follows the recent lay-offs of star players Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku, while Stanislav Lobotka has also been out for three weeks with an adductor injury.

It was confirmed yesterday by Napoli that De Bruyne had picked up a "high-grade lesion" to his hamstring.

Meanwhile, Belgium teammate Lukaku has yet to feature this term after being out with a hamstring problem of his own since the club's pre-season friendly against Olympiacos.

Anguissa powers Napoli into lead with terrific header

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Conte insisted he and his team have merely been getting by this season, despite the promising form of Rasmus Hojlund.

"People forget that we are having to make do," the former Chelsea and Tottenham manager told DAZN.

"People talk about these big reinforcements. Now some even try to suggest we are benefiting from the injuries to Lukaku and De Bruyne - it’s completely absurd.

"All we’ve got in goal now is Milinkovic-Savic, but some over the summer were asking why we had invested so much in a quality goalkeeper.

"Lang had two knocks in the same spot, so I think his muscle hardened. It is not a serious problem.

"I am glad for him too, having his first start, as we need everyone in this difficult moment. The important thing is that we never lack the right spirit."

Despite these injuries, Napoli have begun their title defence with seven wins from nine matches and, though they have suffered two defeats in their last five matches, sit atop Serie A.

Their 3-1 win over Inter on Saturday showcased their credentials to defend their Scudetto crown, with Anguissa scoring Napoli's third.

Should Lecce have been awarded a penalty or was 'justice' done?

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Conte insisted he needs even more from his midfielder, despite him being the second-top scorer in the league, while also praising the mentality of the team.

"These games are never easy, especially after a match like the one with Inter that used up so much energy," he said.

"We played against a very good team. It is always tough to play here in Lecce. I think we should’ve controlled the final stages better, even if we didn’t run many big risks - mentality is first and foremost.

"It was a very good first half, then this penalty could’ve changed the course of the game, but our goalkeeper did well and we went on to deserve the victory.

"I am very happy for Frank. If he’s constantly switched on then there are few players like him, but he still needs to improve his finishing.

"We need to score goals from everyone. It doesn’t matter if they are strikers, midfielders or defenders."

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