Victor Osimhen: Napoli striker nears return for Empoli clash

Victor Osimhen, the Nigerian international and Napoli player, is actively working on his recovery to regain full fitness in preparation for Napoli’s upcoming league games against Empoli.

While his availability for Sunday’s game remains uncertain, Napoli’s official website announced that Osimhen has resumed personal training away from the team.

The club stated, “After the Champions League match against Union Berlin, Napoli resumed training this morning at the SSCN Konami Training Center.”

“The Azzurri are preparing for the match against Empoli, scheduled for Sunday at 12.30 at the Maradona Stadium for the 12th matchday of Serie A.

Osimhen returned to Italy after spending nearly two weeks in Nigeria to attend to personal matters. He has been sidelined since October 13 due to a hamstring injury sustained during an international friendly against Saudi Arabia while on duty for Nigeria. His last appearance for Napoli was on October 8 when he scored in their 3-1 victory against Fiorentina.

Osimhen has missed five games for Napoli and his absence also raised more questions about the lack of a new contract agreement.

“We have been talking about his contract for months, so even if the negotiations are getting on a bit, we will continue along the right path to take,” Meluso added on the player’s contract.

Osimhen finished eighth in the rankings of this year’s Ballon d’Or which was won by Lionel Messi and has been nominated for the 2023 CAF Player of the Year Award which will also be handed out on December 11 in Morocco.