Napoli is ready to tackle Union Berlin in a UEFA Champions League Group C tie, but without their talisman Victor Osimhen.
The Nigerian striker is injured and has been out since the international friendly between the Super Eagles of Nigeria and Saudi Arabia.
Napoli has continued the season in the absence of Victor Osimhen without missing a beat, but it is evident that the Partenopei are missing the quality of the Nigerian bomber.
Ahead of their game against Union Berlin on Wednesday evening, Victor Osimhen has received praise from an unlikely quarter, which highlights his importance to the team.
💠 🇮🇹 Leonardo Bonucci who plays as a center-back for Union Berlin admitted that 🇳🇬 Victor Osimhen is the only player he fears and his absence is a disadvantage for Napoli 👀
(Via: @cn1926it) pic.twitter.com/tgB1loPbPM
— SSC Napoli Club Nigeria 🇳🇬 🥇🏆 🏆 🏆 (@SSCNapoliNGA) November 7, 2023
Leonardo Bonucci hails Victor Osimhen
For a defender of Leonardo Bonucci's pedigree to heap praise on a striker is a special thing.
The Italian defender will be in the colours of the German side as they take on Napoli on Wednesday evening – a club he is familiar with.
Ahead of the game, Bonucci has heaped praise on one Napoli striker, claiming he is the one he fears in the Partenopei.
Bonucci claims that the absence of Victor Osimhen is a massive disadvantage for Napoli.
Bonucci spoke at the press conference ahead of their Champions League tie. He stressed that Napoli will be missing something in the absence of the Nigerian striker, who has been in prolific form for the club.
Bonucci claimed that despite having other quality forwards like Raspadori, he doesn't compare to Victor Osimhen, who finished as Capocannonierie last season.
He also stressed that Union Berlin has to be on their toes during the game, as Napoli has plenty of quality.
Garcia announces Victor Osimhen's return date
In the press conference ahead of their Champions League clash against Union Berlin, Napoli coach Rudi Garcia stated that Victor Osimhen is close to returning to action.
The Napoli coach has slated November 25th as his return date, which will make him ready to face Atalanta in the Serie A after the break.
According to Garcia, Osimhen will return to Italy on Wednesday after their tie against Union Berlin.
Garcia explained that Victor Osimhen took advantage of the injury to sort out personal issues. The striker received the go-ahead from the club president, De Laurentiis, to remain in Nigeria.
It is good news for Napoli fans, who have been worried about their star striker.
Osimhen is in fine form this season despite injuries
Victor Osimhen has been in fine form this season despite his setbacks.
Napoli are fourth on the Serie A log behind table-topping Inter Milan (five points), Juventus and AC Milan. The Italian side is also second in its Champions League group with six points from three games – three points behind Real Madrid.
Despite being out of action for several weeks, Victor Osimhen is third on the Capocannonirie chart with six goals. He is behind Inter Milan's Lautaro Martinez (12 goals) and Olivier Giroud (six goals).
The Nigerian striker is yet to score in this season's Champions League and will be missing in action again as Napoli host Union Berlin on Wednesday evening.
This article was most recently revised and updated 1 year ago
