'He'll be ready for Atalanta' - Napoli coach confirms Osimhen is out of Nigeria's first two 2026 WCQ

Speaking at a press conference on the eve of Napoli's UEFA Champions League matchday four tie against Union Berlin, manager Rudi Garcia revealed that Victor Osimhen will not be at the disposal of Jose Peseiro during November's international break.

The French football tactician confirmed that Osimhen remains sidelined until after the international break. 

The number 9 should be available for selection in Napoli's first game after the break, against Ademola Lookman's Atalanta on November 25.

He picked up a hamstring injury while on international duty with Nigeria in a friendly against Saudi Arabia on October 13, and has missed the last four games played by Napoli. 

Osimhen will return to Naples on Wednesday but is unavailable for selection for the Champions League match with Union Berlin and Sunday's home game against Empoli in the Serie A.

When asked to put a timeframe on Osmhen's recovery, Garcia was quoted as saying by  CalcioNapoli24 : "I'm not concerned with this, the medical department has made plans.

" It seems obvious to me that after these two matches between the Champions League and Empoli, then there is the break. In my opinion he will be ready for Atalanta."

Osimhen is now the second Nigerian player European clubs have confirmed will not be participating in this month's World Cup qualifiers, alongside Leicester City midfielder Wilfred Ndidi. 

Taiwo Awoniyi, Zaidu Sanusi, Bruno Onyemaechi, Semi Ajayi and Samuel Chukwueze, who had been rated as doubtful for the Super Eagles, have seemingly recovered from their injuries. 

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

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