Napoli striker Victor Osimhen’s absence continues, anticipates Return

Napoli’s striker, Victor Osimhen, will remain absent from the upcoming Serie A derby against Salernitana as he continues his rehabilitation from a hamstring injury, as confirmed by his club this week. The 24-year-old Nigerian has been sidelined since sustaining the injury in mid-October and, during his recovery, was granted permission by Napoli to return home.

Osimhen, who has been linked with potential moves to English Premier League clubs, namely Manchester United and Chelsea, is expected to rejoin his teammates in the following week as he intensifies his journey back to full fitness. Napoli’s head coach, Rudi Garcia, shared that Osimhen has been in regular contact and diligently adhering to the recovery program outlined by the club’s medical staff.

Garcia stated, “He has made an agreement with the club. I’ve heard from him by message, and the doctors assure me that he is following the program. Everything is fine, and he will be with us next week.”

In Osimhen’s absence, along with the young forward Lorenzo Russo, Napoli will embark on the trip to face their rivals, Salernitana, on Saturday, aiming to maintain their recent resurgence in form. Garcia emphasized that his primary focus remains on the available players for selection as Napoli sets its sights on securing three crucial points.

“This won’t be an easy match, it’s a derby first and foremost. They need points, but we have only one positive result to aim for, and that’s a victory. We have to put forward the best version of Napoli. We know what we need to do,” the coach added.

Presently positioned fifth in Serie A and trailing the league leaders, Inter Milan, by seven points, Napoli is eager to build on their impressive comeback performance against AC Milan last Sunday. In that match, the Partenopei overcame a two-goal deficit at halftime to secure a 2-2 draw, thanks to second-half goals from Matteo Politano and Giacomo Raspadori.