Victor Osimhen has received good news as he recuperates from the injury that puts him on the sidelines for a while.
The injury happened in a clash of heads with Milan Skriniar in a Serie A clash with Inter Milan that Napoli lost 3-2.
All hands are on deck to ensure Africa’s finest players are ready for the Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon next year. Perhaps, fans should offer prayers to ensure that players don’t fall to injury before the competition kicks off.
The most critical period for a player is usually the month before a major tournament. An injury effectively rules him out of the competition. The only exception is if it is a minor injury.
While the fans are licking their lips at the prospect of a month-long football fiesta that brings to one place the finest players the continent can boast of, players and national team handlers are filled with anxiety not to let the fans down.
A player’s worst nightmare is injury before a tournament, and history is replete with examples of players sidelined by injuries at the last minute.
The Super Eagles of Nigeria has its headache as its best striker would be unavailable for the tournament. In a Serie A clash last weekend, Victor Osimhen bowed to injury and kissed goodbye to the African Cup of Nations 2022.
A glimmer of hope for Osimhen
After sustaining an awful facial injury, the prognosis for Osimhen will see the Super Eagles striker out of action for three months. The injury came in the 3-2 loss to Inter Milan when he was involved in a head clash with Milan Skriniar. Hope, however, abounds for the Napoli star as his time on the treatment table could be reduced.
Doctors have given Osimhen a slim chance of returning to action soon despite reports suggesting he will be out of commission for three months due to the head injury. If he returns early, the striker like Raul Gimenez of Wolverhampton Wanderers would have to use a face mask.
The former Lille forward was successfully operated upon during the week. He is already out of the hospital to begin his recuperation. Osimhen was discharged from the Ruesch clinic on Thursday, and the countdown begins for his return to the pitch.
Still out of the African Cup of Nations
Nigerians were hoping for a miracle that will see Victor Osimhen available for the African Cup of Nations in Cameroon next year. With the latest prognosis that gives Osimhen hope of returning to the pitch earlier than initially assumed, the striker will still be unable to recover in time for the AFCON.
According to Fantacalcio, Napoli intends to see the player back in training by January, but with the aid of a protective mask. The 22-year-old would, however, train alone to avoid physical contact that could exacerbate the injury.
It is good news for Napoli, who are chasing a Scudetto win since they last won it in 1990. However, it does not do the Super Eagles any good as he would still be unable to make it to Cameroon.
This article was most recently revised and updated 3 years ago