Victor Osimhen could miss the start of the Serie A season after Napoli confirmed that the Nigerian forward has now suffered a knock to his ankle.
It was a sight that a lot of Super Eagles, Napoli and football supporters in general did not want to see as a video emerged on Tuesday afternoon of the forward writhing in pain and clutching his ankle.
🚨🇳🇬 Victor Osimhen left Napoli training today after suffering an ankle injury.
The league starts in less than two weeks 😳
pic.twitter.com/zPCxwnXaJ1— Football View (@FootballViewYT) August 8, 2023
“Victor Osimhen left training early due to a sprain to his right ankle.” This was the statement made by the club on their official website.
Since the injury is recent, the club will have to access the injury and figure out how severe it is and how long he will be out for.
Given Osimhen’s injury record, the club as well as the teams who want to acquire his services will hope he is not out for too long.
One of those clubs in question are English Premier League heavyweights, Chelsea.
The Blues also have injury problems themselves as were also dealt a massive injury blow. Their new signing, Christopher Nkunku has suffered a long term injury just days before the start of the new Premier League season.
The nature of Nkunku’s injury has been described as a knee issue according to the Club’s website.
“Nkunku has sustained a knee injury which will rule the forward out for an extended period,” the statement said.
“The 25-year-old has undergone an operation and will now begin a rehabilitation programme with the club’s medical department.”
Chelsea confirm Christopher Nkunku has undergone surgery to his knee injury sustained in Chicago. 🚨🔵 #CFC
New signing could be out for up to 16 weeks. pic.twitter.com/fbI36rppl1
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 8, 2023
With an injury that could last up to 16 weeks, Chelsea are losing a player that was a key part of their preseason preparation and a vital part of their squad for the season.
Length of Osimhen’s injury will be crucial
It is not news that Chelsea have shown interest in Osimhen as he is a player they admire. That interest in the player cooled off as they signed Nicholas Jackson from Villareal but recent developments may cause them to reignite that interest.
With the length of Osimhen’s injury currently unknown, Chelsea will be left in limbo in terms of whether they would pursue a transfer for the player or not.
He has previously revealed that playing in the Premier League is a dream for him and the number nine shirt at Stamford Bridge is still vacant. There is a possibility that Chelsea try to prize him away from italy, but the 24-year-old will not come cheap.
Already, Napoli have rejected a bid from Al Hilal worth €130 million and this is an indication of how highly Aurelio De Laurentiis values the forward.
They have also offered him a new contract that will make him the highest paid player in the club’s history. If Chelsea are to purchase the player, they will probably have to make him the most expensive forward in football.
With the both the Serie A and Premier League seasons fast approaching, both teams are on borrowed time and will want clarity on the moves they want to make.
This article was most recently revised and updated 1 year ago
