Nigeria international striker Victor Osimhen might just be given a bit part to play as Napoli face off against Barcelona in the first leg of their Europa League tie tonight at Camp Nou.
Ahead of the team’s departure yesterday, Osimhen reportedly didn’t train because of knee issues but would likely be available for today’s match against Barcelona.
Napoli have revealed that the 23-year-old didn’t take part in the last training session before their trip to Barcelona because of an overload on his right knee.
Osimhen has partially recovered from a cheekbone injury and is playing with a protective mask after remaining out of action for nearly two months.
Manchester United loanee Axel Tuanzebe is not travelling with the team because of an injury and the same is true of Matteo Politano, Stanislav Lobotka and Hirving Lozano.
Coach Luciano Spalletti is short of options up front and it remains to be seen who will be the starting right winger given Politano and Lozano’s injuries. Adam Ounas and Dries Mertens are available, but Eljif Elmas is also an option.
Meanwhile, the youthful Barca side’s attempt to rebuild their reputation in the Europa League will come under a severe examination against Napoli who sit third in Serie A and have conceded only 17 goals in 25 matches.
“Napoli are a Champions League-level opponent, one of the most difficult teams we could have drawn,” said Xavi.
Luciano Spalletti’s side are fighting to win their third Serie A title – after Diego Maradona left Barcelona and inspired Napoli to become champions in 1987 and 1990.
“The game will be a tribute to Maradona,” said Xavi.
Napoli players available against Barcelona.
Goalkeepers: Ospina, Meret, Idasiak.
Defenders: Di Lorenzo, Ghoulam, Juan Jesus, Koulibaly, Malcuit, Mario Rui, Rrahmani, Zanoli.
Midfielders : Anguissa, Demme, Elmas, Fabián Ruiz, Zielinski.
Strikers :Insigne, Mertens, Ounas, Osimhen, Petagna.