Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen is targeting a return to full fitness ahead of Napoli’s UEFA Champions League matchday five encounter against Real Madrid at the Bernabeu on November 29, as reported by PUNCH Sports Extra.
The 24-year-old has been sidelined since October 13, following an injury sustained during Nigeria’s friendly against Saudi Arabia, which concluded 2-2 in Portugal. Despite not being called up for Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Zimbabwe, Osimhen has been determined to regain fitness.
Having missed Napoli’s last five consecutive games, Osimhen’s absence has been notable for coach Rudi Garcia, as the star striker had netted six goals in the 10 games he played earlier in the season before his injury.
Recently returning to Naples from Nigeria, Osimhen has been diligently engaged in individual training exercises at Castel Volturno, demonstrating his commitment to recovering and returning to the pitch as soon as possible.
Reports suggest that Osimhen is targeting fitness for Napoli’s clash with Atalanta on November 25, aiming to utilize the international break to reach peak physical condition. The ultimate goal is to be fully prepared for the crucial Champions League encounter with Real Madrid at the end of the month.
In the interim, the former Lille striker watched Napoli’s Champions League match against Union Berlin from the stands at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona. The game ended in a 1-1 draw, with David Fofana’s second-half strike canceling out Matteo Politano’s 39th-minute opener. Napoli now finds themselves five points behind leaders Real Madrid in the standings.
