Report: Raul Albiol close to Napoli return

Experienced Napoli centre-back Raul Albiol is reportedly close to returning to first-team action following a period on the sidelines.

The 31-year-old has not represented his Italian club since picking up a hamstring problem in September and has faced a number of obstacles in recent weeks.

However, according to Corriere dello Sport, the Spaniard has now overcome the hamstring issue and will be available for Napoli's Serie A clash with Udinese after the international break.

Albiol, who is a 51-time Spain international, joined Napoli in the summer of 2013 after spending four years at Real Madrid.