The surgeon who operated on Victor Osimhen’s facial fractures reveals the Napoli and Nigeria striker required ‘six plaques and 18 screws’ to repair the ‘devastating’ damage.
It was an accidental clash of heads at San Siro with Inter defender Milan Skriniar, but one that did an extraordinary amount of damage to the centre-forward’s face.
It was immediately clear from the swelling that he had fractured his cheekbone, although tests later showed the extent of the injury resulted in multiple fractures to the cheekbone and orbital bone.
He will be out of action for circa 90 days – three months – ruling him out of the Africa Cup of Nations.
Official: injury blow for Napoli, Osimhen ruled out of Africa Cup of Nations
“Osimhen’s injury was not just a simple fracture to the cheekbone, as it involved many other bones in his face,” explained surgeon Gianpaolo Tartaro to 1 Stadion Radio.
“It wasn’t an impact injury, it was one of compression. The kinetic force generated by the crushing of Osimhen’s face against the back of Skriniar’s head did devastating damage.
“In order to repair the fractures, I had to insert six plaques and up to 18 screws.”
Although the figure given for a full recovery is 90 days, Osimhen’s surgeon warns it is still too early to tell the full effects of this injury.
“It really was a complex operation. The condition of his face was really bad, but I can guarantee the surgery was a complete success.”
Osimhen had scored five Serie A goals and four in the Europa League so far this season, easily the most prolific player for Napoli, and was also set to lead Nigeria out in the Africa Cup of Nations before this sudden setback.
#Osimhen, il chirurgo che lo ha operato: ‘Danno devastante, inserite 6 placche e 18 viti. I tempi di recupero…’ #Napoli https://t.co/R2XO7oxJGI pic.twitter.com/rU3KTCWTv1
— calciomercato.com (@cmdotcom) November 23, 2021
He was just getting warmed up feel really sorry for him and Napoli will miss him get well soon warrior
Best wishes to Osimhen, Anguissa, and Insigne, none of whom are going to Moscow.
Dig deep, Napoli!
Interista here, but really sad for Osimhen here. Hope he recovers quickly and regains his form.