Football
Ben Gladwell, Italy correspondent 7y

Napoli's Arkadiusz Milik eager for return in time for Real Madrid

Napoli forward Arkadiusz Milik has set his sights on a return for his side's Champions League round-of-16 tie with Real Madrid.

Milik, 22, has been sidelined since the start of October after tearing his cruciate knee ligaments.

The Poland international has played just seven Serie A games, scoring four goals, since joining the Azzurri from Ajax in the summer, while his three goals in two Champions League appearances contributed to his side reaching the last 16.

Milik has been working hard on his comeback and the temptation of facing the defending Champions League champions has given him an extra incentive to complete his recovery swiftly.

"Two months have passed since I was operated on and I'm doing the best I can to be back on the field as soon as possible," Milik said at a news conference in Naples.

"I don't know when that will be, but I'm hoping it will be January-February.

"I'm feeling really good. I'm working a lot out on the field, running a lot and playing with the ball and I hope to be back soon.

"It will be hard to beat Real, but anything is possible in football. I've been working hard on my return, but after the draw I've been doubling my efforts to be back in time for these two games. We can beat Real Madrid; our destiny is in our hands, but there is a long time to prepare for this game and I'm focusing on my recovery."

Napoli travel to Madrid on Feb. 15 before hosting the Spaniards on March 7.

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