Former Napoli orthopedist Angelo Cavallo expects Victor Osimhen to resume training at Napoli within fifteen days but stressed that there is a possibility that the Nigeria international will not play his comeback game for the Naples club until after his participation at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations.

Against Inter Milan on Sunday, the Nigeria international was replaced ten minutes into the second half by Andrea Petagna after suffering a terrible injury following a head-to-head collision with Nerazzurri defender Milan Skriniar.

Medical tests later confirmed that Osimhen has sustained a fractured eye socket and cheekbone.

Napoli have announced that their record acquisition returned to Naples on Monday evening and will be operated on today by Gianpaolo Tartaro, who will be assisted by Dr Raffaele Canonico, the head of the club's medical department.

"Osimhen's injury? The bones of the affected part are very fragile and the operation, which is not excessively invasive, is necessary because there was a displaced fracture.," Cavallo said on Radio Punto Nuovo on Monday, according to Area Napoli.

"Recovery times? training takes about 15 days, while, in order to face contrasts and collisions, at least 35-40 must pass".

Cavallo went on to say that Osimhen will be required to wear a protective mask when he returns to training and a return against AC Milan on game week eighteen is out of the question.

The respected and well-known specialist added : "It will be necessary to use the protective titanium mask, especially in the early days.

"Possibility for Milan-Napoli on December 19? It is almost impossible to see him on the pitch on that date.

"Considering that in January there is the Africa Cup it is likely that Victor Osimhen will return to Napoli in February ".

Osimhen was in fine form for Napoli before his latest injury, scoring nine goal in fourteen appearances across all competitions.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel