Napoli striker Victor Osimhen suffered a hamstring injury while on international duty for Nigeria.
The 24-year-old Nigerian international came off injured around the hour mark in the Super Eagles 2-2 friendly draw with Saudi Arabia on 13 October.
However, Napoli did not specify a timeframe for Osimhen's return from injury but Sky Sports Italia said at that time such an injury typically requires a recovery period of four to six weeks.
Due to Osimhen's injury setback, the player had missed several matches for his club in October which includes:
- Napoli's visit to Hellas Verona on 21st October.
- The Champions League group game at Union Berlin on 24th October.
- The clash with AC Milan on 29th October.
In November, Osimhen has missed three matches as well:
- The victory at Salernitana on 4th November.
- Champions League draw at home against Union Berlin on 8th November.
- The recent loss at home against Empoli on 12th November.
Osimhen missed a total of six games for Napoli during this period, he also missed out in Nigeria's two opening matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
While Osimhen had some of his recovery time with his family in Nigeria, he has returned to Napoli to complete his comeback to full fitness, and has dropped a date when he will be ready to play for Napoli again.
Victor Osimhen sets return date for Napoli
The current Serie A Best Striker is on the end of his recovery back to full fitness.
Osimhen has set Saturday, 25 November 2023 as a return date for Napoli which has certainly excited the club fans, players and his new coach especially as the club takes on Atalanta that very day.
The Serie A Golden Boot winner could as well make the starting lineup for the game, but if he doesn't, his comeback from injury is a big boost for his team.
Napoli are currently ranked 4th on the league table with 21 points after 12 matches, they're 10 points adrift of the league leaders Inter Milan going into gameweek 13.
Possible formation for Osimhen's new coach Walter Mazzari against Atalanta
Corriere dello Sport has revealed the possible line-up choices of Walter Mazzarri, new Napoli coach, for his debut match in Bergamo against Atalanta next Saturday.
A real full immersion for Mazzarri in view of his debut against Atalanta, will be to bring his ideas and how he wants his team to play going forward.
The 62-year-old gaffer is already studying the probable line-up to be fielded as his team takes on La Dea in Bergamo.
We will certainly start from the traditional 4-3-3 formation but there could be new players making the line-up considering news that comes up from the national teams during the international break.
According to Corriere dello Sport, Pierluigi Gollini will continue in goal.
In defense, Mathias Olivera will still get the nod even as his commitments with Uruguay comes to an end on Friday. He will be partnered with Giovanni Di Lorenzo, Natan and Amir Rrahmani.
In midfield, the conditions of Piotr Zielinski needs to be checked. Meanwhile Jen's Cajuste, Gianluca Gaetano and Eljif Elmas are warming up for a place.
Kvaratskhelia and Politano are certain names in attack with Osimhen who should start from the first minute even if the doubt remains. While Giancomo Raspadori returns to the bench.
Napoli possible lineup: (4-3-3): Gollini (GK); Di Lorenzo, Rrahmani, Natan, Olivera; Anguissa, Lobotka, Zielinski; Politano, Osimben, Kvaratskhelia.
This article was most recently revised and updated 2 weeks ago
