Categories: NewsNewsNowNigeria

All you need to know about Osimhen’s latest injuries which could rule him out of AFCON

The former Lille star was taken off in the 55th minute of Napoli’s Serie A encounter against Inter Milan on Sunday evening

Victor Osimhen faces a race against time to be fit for next year’s Africa Cup of Nations due to his injury in Napoli’s clash against Inter Milan.

Osimhen broke his left cheekbone and orbit following a clash with Milan Škriniar in Inter Milan’s box. As a result, Osimhen will need surgery and be out for a considerable amount of time.

But what do we know about the two injuries, and when is the earliest possible time he could return?

As revealed above, Osimhen suffered a cheekbone and orbit injury. The cheekbone forms part of the eye socket, and according to Hey NHS, only the doctor that examined the nature of the fracture can determine the type of treatment needed.

In Osimhen’s case, he will need surgery, as revealed in a statement released by Napoli after the game. According to Hey NHS, it takes about six weeks after surgery for a cheekbone to heal properly.

While this is good news for Osimhen and Nigeria, it is important to note that he also broke his orbit, which also requires surgery.

Orbital fractures are the most common forms of facial fractures. And according to Pubmed, it takes about three weeks after surgery for the patient to recover fully.

This means Osimhen could be out for a combined nine weeks, although if both injuries are treated at the same time, he could be back in six weeks.

Nonetheless, irrespective of what happens, the 22-year-old is a doubt for Nigeria at next year’s AFCON, which begins on January 9.

Osimhen’s injury is also a blow to Napoli’s title hopes. The Nigerian striker has been the team’s best player this season, but they will have to be without him for at least two months.

Even if he recovers in six weeks, Osimhen is likely not to play for the Neapolitans until February due to Nigeria’s involvement in AFCON.

Joba Ogunwale

Oluwajoba Ogunwale has many years of experience as a sports content writer. The most recent of these was at Opera News, after which he took up the role of Editor-in-Chief at Soccernet.

View Comments

  • After his surgery!
    He should go back to his home town!

    He need a whole batch of good luck!
    It will reduce all these injure woes!

  • I wish him quick recovery.
    He has a lot to learn on how to keep himself from injuries. It is becoming too many.
    Too much is expected of him at home and at club side.
    Stay strong Bro.

  • Actually I want to say the inter milan player should have been red carded in that match cus it was a kind of deliberate tackle on osimhen i was so angry because i watched the matched live the manner of which the player tackle osimhen looks unprofessional well osimhen i wish you qiuk recovery.

Share
Published by
Joba Ogunwale

Recent Posts

Moses Simon: Super Eagles star bags another award in France

French Ligue 1 club Nantes have named Super Eagles forward Moses Simon as the Player… Read More

6 hours ago

Official: Gift Orban joins TSG Hoffenheim as third Nigerian, inherits Baumgartner’s shirt

Super Eagles invitee, Gift Orban, has officially made the move to TSG Hoffenheim from Olympique… Read More

6 hours ago

Club Brugge: Croatian youngster linked as Onyedika’s replacement ahead of January exit – reports

Club Brugge have reportedly identified a potential replacement for Raphael Onyedika, whose departure in the… Read More

8 hours ago

Nottingham Forest dream big! EPL title contenders enter race to sign Osimhen – Reports

Nottingham Forest have reportedly entered the race to sign Super Eagles star Victor Osimhen as… Read More

9 hours ago

Super Eagles B open camp for CHAN 2024 as Dikko thirsts for first title win

The home-based Super Eagles will officially begin preparations for the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN)… Read More

10 hours ago

Out-of-favour Super Eagles striker edging closer towards Valencia loan move

Super Eagles and Real Sociedad striker, Sadiq Umar, is edging closer to a loan move… Read More

10 hours ago