Napoli’s Victor Osimhen could return to action by mid-January when the Partenopei face Bologna in their quest to win the Serie A title for the first time in three decades.
The Nigeria international suffered multiple fractures in his face after a clash with Inter defender Milan Skriniar on November 21 in their 3-2 loss to the Serie A champions.
Despite initial suggestions that the striker would be out for 90 days after his surgery, the Partenopei were optimistic that the Nigeria international could return in the mouth-watering clash against AC Milan at the San Siro on Sunday.
Unfortunately, the 22-year-old was unable to feature having just resumed training with a protective mask.
Reports said Napoli expected Osimhen to be fit for the clash against Juventus on January 6, but according to Tuttosport, an Italian publication, the Nigerian could now return against Bologna January 16.
“This is a temporary protection that he will have to use until Tuesday, when the final carbon one will be delivered to him and thanks to which he will be able to work with the rest of the team, also participating in family games and without fearing the blows he might receive on the face.
“With a minimum of caution, one can imagine that Osimhen could return to play a match in mid-January, presumably for the match against Bologna and always if Nigeria does not decide to call him for the African Cup anyway.”
The Nigerian striker before his injury had scored nine goals in 14 games across all competitions while providing two assists.