EUROPA LEAGUE: Injured Osimhen in Napoli squad against Barcelona

There remain concerns about Super Eagles striker Osimhen, who did not train on the eve of the game

EUROPA LEAGUE: Injured Osimhen in Napoli squad against Barcelona
Osimhen-Europa League

Manager Luciano Spalletti wants Napoli to relish the ‘dream match’ against Barcelona at Camp Nou by going for the victory, he also gave an update on Victor Osimhen’s fitness issue.

The first leg of this Europa League play-off kicks off at Camp Nou on Thursday at 17.45 GMT.

There remain concerns about Super Eagles striker Osimhen, who did not train on the eve of the game and is still in doubt to start Thursday night.

“It is not a muscular problem, he just had a slightly swollen knee, so as a precaution we decided to rest him and will evaluate his condition Thursday morning. He finished Tuesday’s training session without problems,” assured the coach in a press conference.

Hiving Lozano is out of action, but if Osimhen does not start, then the natural replacement would be Dries Mertens.

Barcelona dropped down into this play-off from the Champions League after finishing third in their group.

“We must try to always be Napoli and give our best. We know our strengths and what we must rely on, which means playing good football, carrying the expectations of the city and club, which means trying to win.

“You become great only by chasing victory in every competition and against every opponent. If it is our ambition to go all the way, we must be ready for anyone.

“There will certainly be moments when we have to defend, and others where we have to make the most of our chances in attack.”

Spalletti has perhaps more experience at this level in Europe than Napoli and many of his players, so what words of wisdom is he passing on?

“These are dream matches, you have to enjoy them and test yourself to see your character and reaching the top level of football. That is what we are trying to do.

“If we start thinking about the history of this club and stadium, there is the risk of getting intimidated. So it’s better to focus on ourselves and the football we have already shown.”

Ronald Koeman was fired, but Xavi has revitalized Barcelona’s campaign since taking over.

“Xavi was already a real football connoisseur as a player, so naturally he will be as a coach too,” explained Spalletti.

“They also brought in more unpredictable players in January who can change a game by themselves.”

.These are the Napoli players available for tomorrow’s match against Barcelona.

Goalkeepers Ospina, Meret, Idasiak.

Defenders Di Lorenzo, Ghoulam, Juan Jesus, Koulibaly, Malcuit, Mario Rui, Rrahmani, Zanoli.

Midfielders – Anguissa, Demme, Elmas, Fabián Ruiz, Zielinski.

Strikers – Insigne, Mertens, Ounas, Osimhen, Petagna.