Nigeria international Victor Osimhen could return to action for Napoli next week after missing the Super Eagles’ March international friendlies due to injury.
The 25-year-old was initially named in caretaker coach Finidi George’s 27-man squad for the games against Ghana and Mali in Marrakech, Morocco.
However, he later pulled out, with Napoli manager Francesco Calzona clarifying that the striker suffered “an inflammation of the scar from an old injury.”
Osimhen was, therefore, not in action when Nigeria defeated rivals Ghana on Friday – ending the unwanted record of failing to beat the Black Stars in the last 18 years – and will also not partake in his country’s upcoming friendly against Mali on Tuesday.
However, the former Lille forward’s injury woes started even before the international break, as he missed Napoli’s 1-1 draw with Inter Milan in Serie A last week.
Osimhen trains separately ahead of Atalanta game
According to Area Napoli, Osimhen is set to be fit for next weekend’s Serie A clash against Atalanta after being sighted training separately.
The striker has been taking steps to regain full fitness and is said to have been involved in some “custom exercises on the pitch” on Saturday, with the rest of his club teammates undertaking a more gruelling session.
The Nigerian started every game during the Super Eagles’ run to the final of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2024) in Ivory Coast. Despite returning to Napoli a bit fatigued, he started in both home and away ties against Barcelona in the round of 16 of the UEFA Champions League, scoring in the first leg.
In Serie A, Osimhen has featured in four matches since returning from the AFCON while scoring four goals, including a sensational hat-trick against Sassuolo.
He continues to be linked with a move away from the Italian club in the summer, but remains a key player for Napoli with a return of 13 goals and four assists in all competitions this season.
