In the dynamic world of football, the ebb and flow of a team’s performance often hinges on the availability of key players. Napoli, the Italian Serie A giants, have been navigating their recent matches without the prolific striker Victor Osimhen, who has been sidelined due to injury. The much-awaited news has finally arrived, with Napoli head coach Rudi Garcia disclosing that he anticipates Osimhen’s return to action at the conclusion of the upcoming international break.
Victor Osimhen’s absence from the Napoli lineup has not gone unnoticed. The Nigerian striker, known for his goal-scoring prowess and dynamic playstyle, is a pivotal figure in Napoli’s attacking strategy. His injury-induced hiatus has led to a reshuffling of the team dynamics, forcing the coaching staff to explore alternative strategies in his absence.
In the games played without Osimhen, Napoli has demonstrated resilience, but his absence has been palpable in the offensive third. The anticipation of his return brings with it not only a sense of relief for fans but also the prospect of revitalizing Napoli’s attacking prowess.
Napoli’s head coach, Rudi Garcia, recently provided insights into Osimhen’s road to recovery. Garcia’s announcement that he expects Osimhen to be back in action after the upcoming international break serves as a beacon of hope for Napoli supporters. It not only sheds light on the progress of Osimhen’s rehabilitation but also sets a timeline for the eagerly awaited return of the star striker.
Garcia’s disclosure reveals a strategic approach to managing Osimhen’s recovery. The decision to target the end of the international break indicates a comprehensive evaluation of the player’s fitness and readiness to rejoin the squad. It also underscores the importance of allowing players adequate time for rehabilitation to prevent the risk of reinjury.
Osimhen picked up an injury during Nigeria’s friendly against Saudi Arabia last month
Osimhen will miss Nigeria’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Zimbabwe due to injury
The 24-year-old returned to Naples on Wednesday after spending time in Nigeria to take care of family issues.
The forward was in the stands to watch the Serie A champions UEFA Champions League clash against Union Berlin last night.
Garcia, however, said Osimhen will be ready to face Atalanta at the Estadio Diego Armando Maradona on Sunday, November 25.
“We are working to have Victor ready for the game against Atalanta, Garcia was quoted by Football Italia.
The striker has scored six goals in 10 games across all competitions for Napoli this season.
Osimhen will miss Nigeria’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Zimbabwe due to injury.
Meanwhile, Napoli, missing their key player, Victor Osimhen, due to injury, played to a draw at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona in Naples.
Prior to Wednesday’s match against Napoli, Union Berlin had lost their last ten games and were without a goal in the last thirty-two days.
In the previous away fixture, Raspadori scored the decisive goal in a 1-0 victory for last season’s Serie A champions.
Union Berlin entered Wednesday’s match following a 3-0 loss to Frankfurt over the weekend, marking their twelfth consecutive loss.
Zambo Anguissa initially appeared to open the scoring for the home team after a splendid play involving Mario Rui and Giovanni Di Lorenzo around the half-hour mark. However, the goal was disallowed by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) due to a foul in the box.
The opening goal came nine minutes later as Politano passed the ball to Kvara, who set up Mario Rui. The fullback delivered a low cross into the box, and Politano tapped it in, giving Napoli a one-goal lead.
Seven minutes into the second half, Union scored their first goal in thirty-two days. Politano’s shot was blocked by Jerome Rousillon, who launched the ball to David-Datro Fofana.
The Chelsea loanee played the ball to Sheraldo Becker, who took a shot that was parried by Meret. Fofana was in the right place to capitalize on the rebound, adding the finishing touch to a beautiful counter-attack by Urs Fischer’s side.
Although Garcia’s team dominated possession with 73% and had twenty-seven shots on goal, Union Berlin held on to secure their first point since September.
Napoli’s draw keeps them in second place in their group, just behind Real Madrid, while Braga and Union face an uphill battle to secure qualification spots.
