Victor Osimhen is on course to return to action against AC Milan next week with the possibility of playing with a protective mask.
Osimhen, 22, suffered multiple fractures in his face after colliding with Inter Milan defender Milan Skriniar in a Serie A clash on November 21.
The Nigeria international underwent surgery two days later, after which Napoli revealed that he would be sidelined for three months.
The striker however returned to training this week and could make a quick recovery being available against Milan on December 19.
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Calciomercato.com reports that a kevlar protective mask designed for the striker could be ready in 48 hours, although Osimhen is still not prepared to wear it.
“Two days are enough to make it,” said doctor Roberto Ruggiero who will be in charge of the realization of the mask with his staff.
“We can also change it if the athlete has problems. It’s a mask that Osimhen can wear during training sessions to avoid accidental collisions with his teammates.”
However, Osimhen will only wear the mask once the traumatized part of his face has completely deflated.
The former Lille striker will undergo further medical examinations in the coming days and if the recovery is going the right way, Napoli doctor Raffaele Canonico will pass all the information to Ruggiero to begin the realization of the mask.
His early return from injury is good news for Nigeria who were pining from losing him for the Africa Cup of Nations holding in January/February next year.