Napoli striker Victor Osimhen has recovered from injury and is ‘ready to take the field’ in tonight’s clash against Liverpool, according to reports in Italy.
The Reds are in Naples for their first Champions League group stage clash this evening and face a side second in Serie A and unbeaten in their opening five league games. Luciano Spalletti’s side have been firing on all fronts domestically and will hope to take advantage of Liverpool’s injury problems at this early point in the competition.
But the Azzurri were at risk of suffering a major fitness problem of their own, with star striker and last season’s top-scorer Osimhen complaining of a muscular problem in the weekend’s win at Lazio. Spalletti confirmed in his Tuesday press conference that the Nigerian international was still a doubt, but had showed positive signs in Monday’s training session.
READ MORE: Napoli v Liverpool LIVE - U19s win in Italy, team news, Champions League build-up
READ MORE: Liverpool line-ups as Thiago Alcantara and Virgil van Dijk decisions made for Napoli
"Today he did personalised training with positive responses. If tomorrow he has the same impact and improves further, he can take part in the race,” Spalletti told the media during Tuesday’s pre-match conference.
And now Italian outlet Calciomercato have reported that the 23-year-old passed a fitness test this morning and is ready for the visit of Jurgen Klopp ’s side. Osimhen scored 14 goals in 27 league games for Napoli last season and already has two this season, so his inclusion in the lineup will hand a huge boost to Spalletti.
In-form Georgian winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is also likely to start for the Italian side, having scored four goals and added one assist in five games this season. Liverpool have lost their last two European trips to what is now called the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.
READ NEXT
-
Arthur Melo can follow Tottenham examples at Liverpool after escaping Juventus 'passer-by'
-
Jurgen Klopp could be tempted by Thiago Alcantara gamble as Liverpool dilemma emerges
-
Thomas Tuchel sacked by Chelsea ahead of Liverpool clash as former Everton man 'tipped to take over'
-
'Got to decide' - Jude Bellingham sent Borussia Dortmund transfer message amid Liverpool links
-
Liverpool fan unveils Champions Wall after Reds back garden mural in Manchester
