- Striker not listed for tonight’s Europa League game
Super Eagles coach Austine Eguavoen will be missing star striker Victor Osimhen for the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Libya.
The Super Eagles will host the Mediterranean Knights on October 11 in Uyo, followed by a rematch four days later in Benina, located just 19 kilometers from Benghazi.
But reports emanating from Italy claimed that Napoli-owned Osimhen is expected to be out of action for around six weeks after suffering a thigh strain while on loan at Galatasaray.
He scored his first goals for Galatasaray at the weekend, bagging a brace in the 3-3 draw with Kasimpasa. However, the Nigeria international also left the field at half-time with a muscular problem and it would seem to be more serious than previously thought.
According to the latest reports, Osimhen has a significant thigh strain in his left leg and is expected to be out of action for four to six weeks.
Meanwhile, Osimhen will not feature for Galatasaray in the UEFA Europa League clash at Latvian club Rigas FS as he was left out of the Turkish Champions’ travel party.
In a related development, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano believes the much speculated Osimhen’s future move to Chelsea in the English Premier League(EPL) might not see the light of the day after all.
Speaking to The Debrief, Romano said the depth of striking talents currently at the disposal of coach Enzo Maresca with both Cole Palmer and Nicholas Jackson, means a bid for Osimhen is not guaranteed.
“In January, I don’t think it’s (Osimhen to Chelsea) guaranteed,” Romano reportedly told The Debrief.
“ In this moment, Chelsea are very happy with what they see, very happy also with the balance they see in the dressing room, also in terms of relationships, then the performances on the pitch have been excellent so far.
“So in this moment, Chelsea are not be desperate to bring in a new striker in January,” he added.
