Andrej Jakimovski injured — Napoli confirms internal oblique tear
Napoli announced a complete tear of Jakimovski's right internal oblique muscle; recovery timing will depend on his response to treatment.
12 October 2026 — Andrej Jakimovski will miss playing time after Napoli confirmed an injury that kept the North Macedonian forward out of the team's win in the Italian league on 11 October.
Napoli's medical update said: "Diagnostic tests showed a complete tear of the internal oblique muscle on the right side of Jakimovski's abdomen, with detachment from the attachment at the eleventh rib. The player has already begun the therapy and rehabilitation program prepared by the medical team. The duration of recovery will be determined based on the development of the player's clinical condition and his response to treatment," the Napoli camp announced.
Impact on national team
The absence is an unwelcome development for the North Macedonia national team ahead of November's European Championship qualifiers. Head coach Berokal will now have to reassess his roster options as the team prepares for those fixtures.
Jakimovski's omission was noticeable during Napoli's victory on 11 October, where the club did not list him among the matchday squad. The club later explained the reason was the diagnosis described in its statement.
Napoli's medical staff say Jakimovski has started a supervised rehabilitation program. The club added that an exact timeline for his return will depend on how his clinical condition evolves and how he responds to treatment.
Photo: Napoli Basket (FB)
