Napoli coach Mazzarri provides update on Victor Osimhen availability for Genoa

By Wale Mustapha

Head Coach of Napoli, Walter Mazzarri has disclosed that Nigerian striker, Victor Osimhen will be assessed to confirm his readiness for the club’s Serie A action against Genoa on Saturday.

The reigning African Footballer of the Year reunited with his club side early on Thursday after flight hitches.  He joined the team’s final training on Friday where Mazzarri said he will ask the 25-year-old if he’s ready to play.

Osimhen had played all matches for Nigeria’s Super Eagles at the just concluded 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, where they finished second following a disappointing final defeat to host Ivory Coast.

“As soon as he arrives this afternoon for training, I will speak to him to understand how he is and whether he can make himself available for the match,” Mazzarri told media.

“It’s in doubt because, in the last game (against Cote d’Ivoire), he was pulled to pieces.”

Osimhen would have to be assessed by the Napoli medical team to ascertain his fitness.

As it stands, the likely outcome is for him to start from the bench. Nevertheless, he should be fine to play for Napoli in the UEFA Champions League next week against Barcelona.