Cheek injury rules Osimhen out for three months

Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has been ruled out for three months after he suffered an orbital and cheekbone injury on Sunday.

The Nigeria international suffered the injury in Napoli’s 3-2 loss to champions Inter Milan at the San Siro after colliding with Inter defender Milan Skriniar.

He was taken to the hospital immediately after leaving the pitch and was discharged on Monday after being diagnosed with an orbital and cheekbone injury and was scheduled to go into surgery

Napoli on their website on Tuesday confirmed that the surgery was successful but added that the striker would need three months to recover.

“On Tuesday morning, Victor Osimhen was operated on his cheekbone and eye socket by Gianpaolo Tartaro, who was assisted by Dr Mario Santagata with Dr Raffaele Canonico also present.

“Titanium plates and screws were used in the operation.

“The player is doing well and will remain under observation for the next few days. Osimhen is expected to return to action in three months.”

The news will come as a big blow to the Nigeria Football Federation and football fans in the country because the 22-year-old will miss the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon next year.

Osimhen has been Nigeria’s first-choice striker since 2019 after the retirement of Odion Ighalo. He has been in good form for the national team scoring four goals in their Qatar 2022 World Cup qualifying Group C.