Napoli coach Rudi Garcia says Victor Osimhen will return to training tomorrow, but won’t be available against Union Berlin and warns his players about the Germans: ‘They are not a small club.’
The Partenopei host Union at the Stadio Maradona on Wednesday. Napoli sit second in Group C with six points, three above third-placed Braga.
Osimhen has missed all games after the international break in October due to an injury, but his return is around the corner.
“He will be back tomorrow, but of course, he won’t be available,” Garcia said at a press conference on Tuesday.
“I am happy with the players at my disposal. Anguissa has just returned and Juan Jesus is coming back too. I count on those who are part of the team, they must give their all to win.”
Giacomo Raspadori has been used as a centre forward during Osimhen’s absence and the Italian also joined Garcia for today’s presser.
“We’ve played 14 games since I arrived and he [Raspadori] has always been a protagonist,” said Garcia.
“He has a lot of quality and he’s proving it. He can score and assist. He can play in different positions. I think he gives his best as a No.9 or as a trequartista, but he can play also as a winger or box-to-box midfielder.
“There are no easy games, it’s the Champions League,” continued the French coach.
“Our opponents are not in a good moment, but they have qualified for the Champions League and play in one of the top five leagues, so they are not a small club. We expect a difficult game.”
Jesper Lindstrøm has been struggling with playing time at the Stadio Maradona and Garcia seems unwilling to give him a chance tomorrow.
“Luckily, we’ve had five substitutions available for some time and coaches can impact the result with tactical decisions,” said the coach.
“In order to start, players must prove they can help the team with goals and assists and by helping the team defensively. Those who can do this more frequently have more chances to start. That’s why Politano and Kvaratskhelia play more.”