Napoli Team Doctor, Roberto Ruggiero has revealed that Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen is only halfway through his rehabilitation period, as he is still in the healing process.
It is exactly a month today that Osimhen suffered multiple fractures in his head during a league clash against Inter Milan – a tie the Neapolitans lost 3-2.
Napoli later announced that the club’s record signing would be out of action for at least three months, after he subsequently underwent successful surgery.
But the 22-year-old has recovered faster than projected after he resumed individual training last week and was pictured on Tuesday in training with a specially designed face mask.
Ruggiero, who created Osimhen’s protective mask, spoke to Radio Marte during the “Marte Sport Live” broadcast.
He said: “You need to have time for ossification. Let’s say we’re halfway there now.”
The former Lille striker declared on Tuesday that he would be available for selection at the prerogative of the national team handlers.
Osimhen played a key role in Nigeria’s qualification for Afcon as well as the 2022 Fifa World Cup play-offs.
Aside from his exploits in Italy, he has scored nine goals in his last 10 matches for the three-time African Champions in all competitions.
This development will come as a relief for Coach Augustine Eguavoen who is still rocked after Belgian league star Paul Onuachu may not be participating at AFCON due to injury.
Three-time African champions Nigeria are zoned in Group D alongside Egypt, Sudan and Guinea Bissau. They commence their campaign against the Pharaohs on January 11 in Garoua.
