Napoli chief reveals Osimhen in Lagos to settle rift with Sister

Napoli Director of Sport Mauro Meluso has given updates on why Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen is not in Italy.

“All games are important, we must try to get back into the top spots and seek to repeat our last exceptional campaign,” Meluso told DAZN.

Not only is Osimhen out injured, but he has also been absent from the Napoli training ground over the last few days, with reports he is back home to deal with an ugly legal battle involving his sister and brother-in-law.

“Due to personal reasons, Osimhen has been given permission by the club to return to Nigeria. He will return when he has resolved those issues, while he is also working on regaining full fitness with exercises there. He will return as soon as possible,” explained Meluso.

Osimhen’s brother-in-law has claimed on social media that the striker got his wife – and the player’s sister – arrested as part of his attempts to recoup money owed in commission from the transfer from Lille to Napoli.

Meanwhile, Napoli manager Rudi Garcia jokingly insinuates that Napoli plays better without Osimhen and suggests they could scrap the 4-3-3 formation after a 2-0 win over Salernitana.

The Partenopei hope to climb back into the top four this weekend after this 2-0 victory at the Stadio Arechi, which was sealed by a right-foot curler in each half from Giacomo Raspadori and Eljif Elmas.

It was the third competitive match in a row on target for Raspadori between Serie A and the Champions League.

“We started well, I think it’s the first time we have scored in the opening 15 minutes this season, so that was an objective too,” Garcia told DAZN.

“Salernitana were allowed nothing, then we played well in the second half with passing moves and quick movement, but Guillermo Ochoa made some big saves and the woodwork kept out Matteo Politano.

“I am glad that Elmas scored, as he deserves it and represents those players who come off the bench and give their contribution.

“It is true that since I have been here, I immediately saw a lot of quality in Raspadori. He can shoot with either foot, has an eye for goal, can drop deep and also play with his teammates. He is a False 9 and much more than that.

“It is much easier for the team when everyone works together not just to create chances, but also to keep a clean sheet.”

Napoli seem to be playing better without injured Osimhen, as it allows Raspadori to have more regular playing time in the centre-forward spot he appreciates far more than being on the wing.

“He is a problem and yet we cannot wait for him to come back soon!” joked Garcia.

“I had this reflection too, we have a lot of attacking options, but when we change the tactical system like we did against Milan with a box player like Cholito, then Raspadori as a trequartista, we have that bond between the lines.

“I realise the midfield is helped by Raspadori, who even in the final minutes tracked back like a madman to help out. Someone who cares that much about the team is a valuable presence.”

President Aurelio De Laurentiis famously hired Garcia to replace Luciano Spalletti precisely because he also used the 4-3-3 formation.

However, after moving to 4-4-2 at half-time for the comeback draw with Milan, Garcia is ready to scrap that system.

“It depends on the moment, on the squad I have at my disposal at that moment, on the opponent and the competition. Obviously, the players know the 4-3-3 off by heart, but the problem is that our opponents know it well too, so we need other weapons in our armory

.”