Napoli manager, Walter Mazzarri, has expressed caution regarding Victor Osimhen’s fitness status, stating that the Nigerian forward is not yet fully prepared for action. Osimhen returned to training after he participated in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations but was not included in the matchday squad for Napoli’s 1-1 draw against Genoa on Saturday.

Mazzarri revealed that Osimhen, who played seven games in one month for Cote d’Ivoire, is focusing on regaining his fitness level. The manager emphasized the need to avoid risking Osimhen’s health by prematurely fielding him against Genoa.

“According to him and the medics, he was down to his last legs. He had a series of muscular issues and it would’ve been madness to play him here for 15 minutes and then risk losing him for months,” Mazzarri stated after the game.

With the upcoming UEFA Champions League Round of 16 clash against Barcelona looming, Mazzarri hopes Osimhen will recover in time for the crucial fixture. However, he acknowledged the challenges posed by Osimhen’s intermittent fitness issues and recent international commitments.

Napoli is set to host Barcelona in the first leg of their Champions League encounter at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium on Tuesday, with Osimhen’s availability remaining uncertain due to his ongoing fitness concerns.