Italian Serie A leaders Napoli have expressed doubt about the availability of Nigeria international Victor Osimhen for their crucial UEFA Champions League first‑leg quarter‑final against AC Milan next week, Sports Extra reports. The striker suffered a muscle injury while on international duty with Nigeria last week during the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Guinea‑Bissau, causing him to miss Napoli’s 4‑0 loss to Milan in a Serie A clash at the Estadio Diego Armando Maradona.
Since joining the Italian club from Lille in 2020, Osimhen has become an integral part of Luciano Spalletti’s side. The 24‑year‑old is enjoying a brilliant season, having scored 25 goals in 29 appearances across all competitions, helping Napoli sit 16 points clear at the top of the Serie A table and reach the Champions League last eight. While the league title is almost secured, the Partenopei are still in contention for the Champions League, but the striker’s chances of featuring against their rivals look unlikely.
Osimhen underwent treatment at Castelvolturno on Tuesday, and, according to Sky Sport Italia, Friday will be a key date to determine whether the Nigerian will be available for the Champions League tie. “Napoli confirmed on Tuesday that their star striker underwent therapies in the morning at the club’s training centre in Castel Volturno,” the report noted. “This means the 24‑year‑old won’t be available against Lecce on Friday when the Partenopei visit the Stadio Via Del Mare. Friday will also be a key date to know whether Osimhen will be available against Milan next week.” Napoli’s correspondent Massimo Ugolini maintains that the Partenopei will “need a miracle” to have the striker back for the match against the Rossoneri at San Siro.
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