Serie A: Osimhen Begins Recovery Process Ahead Of Napoli, Empoli Tie

Victor Osimhen, has started his recovery and full fitness process in Napoli as they prepare for their league tie against Empoli on Sunday.

While his availability for Sunday’s game remains very uncertain, Napoli on their official website on Thursday wrote that Osimhen had resumed personal training away from the team.

“After the Champions League match against Union Berlin, Napoli resumed training this morning at the SSCN Konami Training Center,” the club wrote.

“The Azzurri are preparing for the match against Empoli, scheduled for Sunday at 12.30 at the Maradona Stadium for the 12th matchday of Serie A.

“The team split into two groups. Those who played yesterday from the first minute carried out exhausting work.

“The other men in the squad carried out dry activation through a circuit of posts and low obstacles.

“Subsequently session of ball possession and physical work with finishing on goal.

“Closing with a series of final games. Osimhen carried out therapies and personalised work in the gym.”

The Nigerian, who returned to Italy on Wednesday having spent almost two weeks in Nigeria to attend to personal matters, has been sidelined since October 13 after picking up a hamstring injury he suffered while on duty for Nigeria during an international friendly against Saudi Arabia. His last game for Napoli was on October 8 when he scored in their 3-1 win over Fiorentina.

Osimhen has missed five games for Napoli and his absence also raised more questions about the lack of a new contract agreement.

“We have been talking about his contract for months, so even if the negotiations are getting on a bit, we will continue along the right path to take,” Meluso added on the player’s contract.

Osimhen finished eighth in the rankings of this year’s Ballon d’Or which was won by Lionel Messi and has been nominated for the 2023 CAF Player of the Year Award which will also be handed out on December 11 in Morocco.