Chelsea statement released as supporters hospitalised ahead of Napoli Champions League clash

Barely 24 hours before Chelsea's crucial Champions League clash against Napoli, two fans have been hospitalised in southern Italy

Chelsea have urged fans to be cautious after two Blues supporters were hospitalised in Naples.

The worrying incident took place on the eve of the west Londoners' crucial Champions League clash away to Napoli at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona. Before the match, Chelsea also issued a warning to fans about potential attacks on away crowds in the southern Italian city.

There is yet to be any official confirmation as to what exactly has happened to the supporters. The club urged supporters to be aware of their surroundings before the match and to show "extreme caution."

On social media, the club wrote: "The club is aware of an incident that took place on Tuesday evening in Naples. Two fans are being treated in hospital, having sustained non-life-threatening injuries.

"The club would like to remind all supporters to exercise extreme caution whilst in the city and take note of the advice shared ahead of this fixture."

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The club did not provide any details about the circumstances leading to why the fans were hospitalised. However, they did warn about the potential for attacks against supporters in the days leading up to the match.

Fans were also warned not to wear any clothes which identified them as a Chelsea supporter while in the city before the match. There is also yet to be a statement from police forces in the city regarding the incident.

In October, there were scenes of violence in Naples ahead of Napoli's home clash against Sporting Lisbon. Supporters from both teams brawled in the streets with multiple missiles like chairs, glass bottles and chains being thrown at each other.

It was reported by Italian media six Napoli supporters were arrested and a Sporting fan was taken to hospital with non-life threatening injuries. There were also scenes of chaos in 2023 when Napoli hosted Eintracht Frankfurt.

There were confrontations between both sets of fans after supporters of the Bundesliga side were seen fighting with police and setting cars alight. The chaos provoked Napoli supporters into responding, with reports of busses carrying Frankfurt fans being attacked by so-called Napoli ultras in the street.

The match between Napoli and Chelsea has an awful lot on the line for both teams. Liam Rosenior's side need a victory, and perhaps plenty of goals, to guarantee a place in the top eight for themselves.

Meanwhile Napoli need three points to ensure they can reach the play-off stage. The match will also see Antonio Conte reunite with Chelsea in the Champions League for the first time.

He won Serie A with the Neapolitans last season, but has been struggling to amass momentum in the Champions League, winning two, drawing two and losing three of their matches. Meanwhile, Rosenior has had to deny reports Cole Palmer has become unsettled at Stamford Bridge, insisting there is no truth to any claims the midfielder is looking for a move out of the club.