Napoli Set Victor Osimhen Return Date

The Nigeria international has not taken to the pitch since cupping an injury in last month’s African Cup of Nations qualifier, and he is not expected to return until the new year

There is no chance of Victor Osimhen playing again this year as the youngster continues his rehabilitation after suffering a dislocated shoulder while on international assignment with the Super Eagles, says Napoli sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli.

Osimhen joined Napoli in a multi-million euro move this summer and already has two goals in eight appearances for Gennaro Gattuso’s side.

But Giuntoli has hinted that the former Lille hotshot won’t be making an appearance on a football pitch to add to that tally until at least January 2021.

“Osimhen is still not well, we are waiting for him at the beginning of 2021,” Giuntoli to Sky Sport Italia.

“At what point of the month is he back? We are waiting for him at the beginning of January. I don’t know when he will come back, we will see in what conditions it will be, and we will evaluate”.

Osimhen suffered the injury when Sierra Leone battled Nigeria to a 4-4 draw at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City on November 13.

The 21-year-old has since missed the Super Eagles return fixture against Sierra Leone in Freetown and Napoli’s last nine matches.

Il Partenopei have won just four of those games, losing 2-0 at Lazio again last weekend in the absence of their talismanic striker.

Napoli host Torino next on Wednesday, December 23, in their last match of 2020.