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Victor Osimhen has not played in any of Napoli's pre-season friendlies as the Partenopei fight to sell the Nigerian striker
Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen was notably absent again as Napoli recorded a 2-1 loss, adding fuel to the rumour that the Super Eagles icon is set for a move away from the club.
Osimhen’s continued absence
The Nigerian striker’s absence from the squad was pronounced once again despite expectations that he would be at least on the bench for the friendly against Girona. Instead, Osimhen was missing for the fourth consecutive game.
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The Nigerian international has been training regularly, so his absence is not due to injury, raising suspicion that the decision to leave him out was due to an impending move.
Reports suggest that Napoli cannot buy any more players until Osimhen is sold and Arsenal are said to be preparing a new offer for the former Capocannoniere, with Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea also showing interest.
Napoli lose without Osimhen
Napoli faced their first pre-season defeat, losing 2-1 to Girona FC, with the loss coming after a series of solid performances in previous matches where Napoli had not conceded a single goal.
Antonio Conte’s side showed significant problems playing out from the back, and paid the price when a costly mistake by goalkeeper Alex Meret gifted the ball to Donny van de Beek, leading to the opening goal.
The rain in Castel di Sangro added to the team's woes, making conditions difficult and sending fans running for shelter. To add to their troubles, Pasquale Mazzocchi was carried off with a suspected sprained ankle following a rough tackle.
Girona capitalized on Napoli's frailties again, with Almena escaping Alessandro Buongiorno to set up Toni Villa for the second goal.
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