Confusion over Osimhen's availability for AFCON as Napoli contradict statements by surgeon, Spalletti

Published: November 23, 2021

Through their official website, Italian Serie A club Napoli have informed that Victor Osimhen is set to be sidelined for ninety days after undergoing surgery on Tuesday, November 23.

The Nigeria international was operated on his cheekbone and eye socket by Gianpaolo Tartaro, who was assisted by Dr Mario Santagata with Dr Raffaele Canonico also present.

Based on the initial prognosis by Napoli, Osimhen has been ruled out of the African Cup of Nations which begins in Cameroon on January 9, 2022.

The recent medical update by Napoli contradicts the earlier statements credited to Dr. Tartaro, the surgeon who performed the operation on the Super Eagles striker.

"In a week Osimhen will be able to start exercising again. In 15 days he will be able to run and in six weeks he will be able to train. Even if we have to wait to say it : the times can only be evaluated after the surgery, " Tartaro told Italian newspaper Il Mattino on Tuesday morning.

Napoli manager Spalletti, before the official statement, had said he was confident in Osimhen making a comeback on 19 December, against Milan, according to Sportmediaset.

Assuming there is no modification to the medical bulletin issued by Napoli, Osimhen is expected to be inactive until after the league game against Cagliari on February 20.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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