Napoli coach Luciano Spalletti has confirmed Victor Osimhen ‘s absence from today’s Serie A away clash to Lecce as the Nigeria international striker is yet to be fully fit following the high injury he sustained during the AFCON 2023 qualifiers.
Osimhen was also absent when Napoli was beaten 4-0 by AC Milan last weekend and with this, this would be the second consecutive match to be missed by the Nigerian in recent time.
Speaking during a pre-match press conference yesterday, Spalletti said: “Osimhen will be evaluated next week and therefore he won’t be called up tomorrow (today). We have to wait for his condition to develop in the next few days.”
Spalletti also spoke with caution about the possibility of Osimhen facing AC Milan in the UEFA Champions League quarterfinal match at the San Siro next week.
“There are many possibilities to see him with Milan, but we have to wait for the practical development of next week’s work,” he added.
In the absence of Osimhen, Spalletti is still optimistic of their Scudetto dream, while emphasizing the importance of today’s tie against Lecce.
“It’s a very important game, we know that the performance you need is full of substance, in which every thought goes to the good of the team,” he said.“ When you come off a not brilliant game, you have to help yourself and run for yourself and your teammates, also taking the responsibilities of the other. By always thinking like this, it is easier to rediscover the brilliance and team spirit.”
He added: “Lecce are on the pitch very well and we know the pitfalls of the match. They have won matches against the big names by performing great performances and showing total football.
“It is a very organized group and they play in an environment that is in love with football and is very passionate. It’s clear that there are also different values and we have to be good at considering this match with the right attention.”