Napoli President Aurelio De Laurentiis confirms Victor Osimhen is expected to be out for a couple of weeks, so could miss two of the three Milan games, while Kvicha Kvaratskhelia ‘doesn’t need’ a new contract.
Osimhen returned from playing for Nigeria with zero goals in two games and a muscular injury to the adductor in his left thigh.
Officially, he will be re-evaluated next week, therefore missing Sunday’s Serie A showdown with Milan, but De Laurentiis gave an update during his interview with reporters at the Lega Serie A meeting.
“He should be out for a couple of weeks, we hope,” said the President.
Napoli face Milan again in the Champions League quarter-final, with the first leg at San Siro on April 12 and the decider on April 18, so Osimhen is a major doubt to feature in at least the first leg and potentially the second too.
“These are games where any result could happen, you can never know. Milan have some great players, they too are missing someone, and we hope it will be a balanced, entertaining match for the two sets of fans. This is what football should bring us.”
The draw means at least one Italian side will be in the Champions League semi-final, but De Laurentiis is no fan of the Italian Derby in Europe.
“It is ridiculous playing the same team three times in a month, especially if you are in Europe and want to measure yourself up to the best on the continent. It would’ve been better if Milan and Napoli had played someone else, but unfortunately until we change UEFA, we’ll all be slaves to the Ministry of Football.”
The President was also asked about the future of winger Kvaratskhelia, with reports Napoli are trying to negotiate a new contract to stave off interest from Real Madrid, PSG and numerous Premier League sides.
“He has a five-year contract with us, he doesn’t need a new deal. Journalists always want to talk about vulgar things like money rather than the spectacle of the sport.”