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The return to training by SSC Napoli of Italy striker, Victor Osimhen created bolts of excitement among his club’s fans and analysts alike, as the buzz was ignited about the possibility of him still playing yet one match before this year ends.
Megasportsarena.com reports that this is in contrast with initial reports that he would be out for three months, following a face injury he suffered in Italian Serie A action for his club.
The Chile 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup top scorer was forced off injured in his side’s 3-2 loss to Inter Milan on November 21 at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza, where he suffered a clash of heads with defender Milan Skriniar.
He was replaced by Andrea Petagna four minutes before the hour mark and the 22-year-old lad has missed four matches in total over the past 16 days, including Napoli’s 3-2 home defeat to Atalanta last weekend.
However, expectations have now been opened on the positive front, after Napoli confirmed that Osimhen has returned to training for the first time following the injury he suffered against Inter.
Super Eagles’ coach, Gernot Rohr and Nigerian soccer fans will also be excited that the youngster could now be available for the Africa Cup of Nations next month in Cameroon, as the 22-year-old went through some individual drills on Wednesday.
Although he was not involved in the full session, as all other players in the Naples-based club trained collectively ahead of their next fixture, optimism is surging through varying football circles over the likelihood of the youngster returning to the pitch next week with a face mask.
That has put aside initial fears that he would be out until March 2022, after he received surgery on his cheekbone and eye socket from Dr Gianpaolo Tartaro, as the latest report indicates that Osimhen’s estimated downtime could now be shortened.
Additional reports indicate that specialists are already studying how to design a custom-made carbon mask to protect his face during matches, but he returned to some coordinated tests this Wednesday with a make shift guard.
With having been partially involved in the club’s latest practice session, few hours behind him, Osimhen could be back into Napoli’s squad ahead of their last group match in the UEFA Europa League against Leicester City of England on Thursday.
Napoli officially welcomed the African back into the fold via their social media account, writing on Instagram: “Come on Victor!!”
Osimhen also announced his return with a post on social media, as he stated: “Thankful to God Almighty. I sincerely appreciate those who reached out to me, God bless you and yours.
“No time to dwell on past transgressions, looking forward to the greater things ahead. God is the greatest, we move!”
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