Speaking to reporters at the pre-match press conference, Napoli manager Luciano Spalletti confirmed that Victor Osimhen is ready to be involved in some capacity in Wednesday’s Champions League clash against Ajax Amsterdam at the Stadio Diego Maradona.

The Nigeria international was spotted training with the rest of the Napoli squad in Tuesday morning’s workout at the SSC Konami Training Centre, putting him in the frame to be included in a matchday squad for the first time since September 7 when he suffered a second degree injury to the hamstring against Liverpool.

Although Napoli have been firing on all cylinders without their number 9 with six consecutive all-competition wins, Spalletti underlined that Osimhen is key for the Parthenopeans on account of being a top player that offers something different.

Asked whether Osimhen is ready to play against Ajax, Spalletti told reporters : “Victor is key to our team because he’s a top player. He’s training well and he’s ready to play his part.

“Osimhen has to be one of the leaders of this team. We’re lucky to have three forwards with different skill sets that complement each other and give us a range of options in attack.”

Osimhen scored in each of his first two matches for Napoli in the 2022-2023 season but fired blanks in his next four games.

Napoli will go through to the last sixteen if they avoid defeat against Ajax Amsterdam, whose Champions League destiny is still in their hands.

Ifeany Emmanuel

Photo Credit : sscnapoli.it