Will Napoli’s Victor Osimhen return to the field for clash against FC Barcelona?

Napoli’s star man Victor Osimhen returned from the AFCON with some minor muscle injury and is doubtful to reach full fitness in time as Napoli host FC Barcelona on 21st February in the first leg of the round of 16 battle in the UEFA Champions League. 

Much has been speculated about Victor Osimhen and his return from injury to face Barcelona. Napoli’s gaffer, Walter Mazzarri spoke to DAZN a couple of days ago and revealed that, “According to him and doctors, the boy is at his lowest.” Walter chose to rest the striker against Genoa on the weekend, despite making it back from the AFCON in time.

Without the presence of the striker, Napoli managed to salvage only a 1-1 draw.  Elaborating on his decision to leave Osimhen out, Mazzarri said, “Coming back from the African Cup of Nations it wouldn’t have been the best choice to risk it and let him play for a quarter of an hour to 20 minutes, so the doctor told me.”

Mazzarri also told DAZN that his return against Barcelona was doubtful. Mazzarri said his return would only be considered safe if the Nigerian managed to complete training on Monday without pain. 

Will Victor Osimhen play against Barcelona? 

Victor Osimhen was away from club duties for a month as he led Nigeria’s attack in the African Cup of Nations. Nigeria ended up winning the AFCON with Osimhen scoring one goal and assisting another. Napoli has struggled due to Victor Oshimhen’s injury and his return would certainly boost the Italian club.

According to fresh reports from Diario Sport, the striker completed training on Monday and would be fit to play cum Wednesday. However, it is unlikely that the striker will play more than an hour at the Diego Armando Maradona stadium. 

This update would certainly be welcome for Napoli fans after an abysmal season till now. The striker led Napoli to their first Serie A title last season since 1990 by amassing an amazing 26 goals. In the 23/24 season, Victor Osimhen has struggled with an injury. Just as he was settling back into the team, the young Nigerian had to leave for AFCON. Even if the striker plays an hour midweek against Barcelona, Napoli would look much sharper than they have recently. 

Napoli will host Barcelona at the Diego Armando Stadium on 21 February, Wednesday.

Also Read: Napoli vs Barcelona Preview, Prediction and Betting Tips