Will Osimhen start against Real Madrid? Napoli coach reveals when he will make decision

Napoli 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 

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