Will Osimhen start against Real Madrid? Napoli coach reveals when he will make decision
Published: November 28, 2023Napoli boss Walter Mazzarri addressed the media in Spain at the mandatory pre-match press conference before the Champions League group stage matchday five clash against Real Madrid.
The Italian football tactician kept his cards close to his chest when asked whether Victor Osimhen will be named in the starting lineup, saying that he will make a late decision on the involvement of the number 9.
The Nigeria international came through Saturday's comeback game at Atalanta unscathed, playing the last 25 minutes of a 2-1 win.
Mazzarri has taken twenty two players to Barcelona comprising four goalkeepers, six defenders, six midfielders and six strikers, with Osimhen part of the traveling squad.
Osimhen is obviously lacking match fitness after recovering from a hamstring injury he suffered while on international duty on October 13, an injury that kept him sidelined for six weeks.
Mazzarri will make a late call whether to include Napoli's most expensive player in history in the starting lineup.
In quotes relayed by Napoli's official website, Mazzarri stated: "Osimhen is gradually improving. He played 25 minutes against Atalanta and we’ll see tomorrow whether he can start or just come on from the bench.”
Napoli, who were held to a 1-1 draw by Union Berlin in their last Champions League outing, have seven points after four matchdays in Group C, five less than table toppers Real Madrid who have a hundred percent record.
Ifeanyi Emmanuel
Copyright ANS
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com
- Finidi sweats over fitness of 2023 AFCON star Onyeka before Super Eagles squad announcement
- Potential Zirkzee replacement: Bologna linked with move for 2023 Super Eagles invitee
- U17 AFCON qualifier Nigeria 1 Niger 0: Rapha Adams header secures three points for Golden Eaglets
- Isaac Success: 2013 U17 AFCON top scorer suffers injury in Italy ahead of Finidi's squad announcement
- After the return to action of Onuachu and Osayi-Samuel, Finidi has another fitness boost pre-Bafana Bafana
- Bayo Fapetu: Derby County in contract talks with midfielder who was on the books of Arsenal for ten years
- Photo: Eberechi Eze takes son of ex-Super Eagles star Victor Moses under his wing at Crystal Palace
- Osimhen's replacement: Napoli contact Man Utd over signing one-cap England international
- Official: Millwall release three Nigerian players ahead of next season
- Rangers boss provides fitness update on Super Eagles CB ahead of Scottish FA Cup final v Celtic
- Football Betting
- African Players
- Australia/ Asia
- Belgian Championship
- Bundesliga
- Danish Football
- English Premier League
- Nigeria National Teams
- Nigeria Premier League
- Norwegian Football
- Polish Football
- Russian Championship
- Serie A
- Spanish Liga
- Swedish Championship
- Transfer
- Turkish Championship
- Ukrainian Football
- Uncategorized
- Women's Football