Nigeria and Napoli of striker, Victor Osimhen has been ruled out for at least three months after undergoing a surgery on his cheekbone and eye socket.
Napoli disclosed this in a statement released on the club’s official website on Tuesday.
The Nigerian international suffered multiple facial fractures after a clash of heads with Inter defender Milan Skriniar on Saturday.
“On Tuesday morning, Victor Osimhen was operated on his cheekbone and eye socket by Gianpaolo Tartaro, who was assisted by Dr Mario Santagata with Dr Raffaele Canonico also present.
“Titanium plates and screws were used in the operation.
“The player is doing well and will remain under observation for the next few days.
“Osimhen is expected to return to action in three months.”
Following the report by Napoli, Osimhen will now miss the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon.
The tournament will run from 9th January to 6th February, 2022.
Osimhen is Napoli’s best scorer this season with nine goals in 14 appearances in all competitions and could be a major miss for the three time-time AFCON champions who are bidding for a fourth continental title.
The news also comes as a huge blow for the lanky striker who has been on an impressive form since the start of the season, but unfortunately will not get the chance to lead the Eagles’ attack in his second successive Afcon appearance.
He was Nigeria’s top scorer during the qualification phase with five goals, also scoring in his last outing – a World Cup qualifier against Cape Verde in Lagos which ended 1-1.
Super Eagles are drawn alongside Egypt, Guinea Bissau and Sudan in Group D.
